Assembly Resolution No. 1419

BY: M. of A. Santabarbara

MOURNING the untimely death of Christopher G.
Hunter, distinguished historian, archivist, and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Christopher "Chris" Hunter of Saratoga, New York, died on
May 14, 2026, at the age of 54; and

WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, Born to George T. and Margaret L. Hunter, Christopher G.
Hunter was born on March 22, 1972, in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Graduating from Linton High School in 1990, Christopher G.
Hunter received his bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport in 1994; he
went on to complete a master's degree in finance from Syracuse
University in 1995, and also received a master's degree in history from
the University at Albany in 2000; and

WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter, with a deep interest in history,
executed extensive research on a Civil War company for his master's
degree, and also enjoyed trips to historic parks such as Saratoga
Battlefield, Gettysburg, Antietam, Chancellorsville, and others; and

WHEREAS, Passionate about learning throughout his life, Christopher
G. Hunter volunteered at the then Schenectady Museum in 1998, and
later, was hired to assist with the museum's archives and millions of
photographs and documents; and

WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter went on to become a well-known
professional in his local community and to historians around the world;
and

WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter held the title of vice president of
collections and exhibitions before being promoted to president of the
museum, which is now known as the Museum of Science and Innovation
(miSci), in 2025; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated historian and archivist, Christopher G. Hunter
was widely respected for his knowledge of electrical and technological
history, and was always willing to offer his valuable insight on a wide
variety of subject matter such as the history of Schenectady and General
Electric; and

WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter served on many boards throughout his
life, ranging from Vale Cemetery to Discover Schenectady, and had also

recently joined the Rotary; he also gave hundreds of tours over the
years sharing his love for history of the region; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his passing, Christopher G. Hunter created a new
exhibit at the museum which features artifacts from WRGB, a local news
station, and from General Electric; families, community members, and
visitors from near and far are finding great interest in the new
exhibit-a glowing testament to his vision, leadership, legacy, and
valuable lifework in the wake of his tragic passing; and

WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, To celebrate and honor Christopher G. Hunter's dedication
to the museum and his community, a Celebration of Life will be held on
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Museum of Innovation and Science; tours
of the museum archives will be offered in honor of his decades of work
in that space; and

WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter is survived by his wife, Claudia;
stepdaughter, Fernanda; mother, Margaret; brothers, Michael Hunter and
Joseph (Cassie) Hunter; niece, Savannah; and nephew, Noah; he was
predeceased by his father George; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Christopher Hunter leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Christopher G. Hunter, distinguished
historian, archivist, and devoted member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Christopher G. Hunter.