LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Debra Kolsrud of Johnstown, New
York, for her skillfully worded theme to be used in conjunction with the
celebration of the 2013 National Women's History Month

WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of this Empire State,
when the ingredients of shared concern and responsive endeavor combine
in commitment to community, there emerge among the distinguished citi-
zenry of the State of New York, certain individuals who warrant special
recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Debra Kolsrud of Johnstown, New York, for her skillfully worded
theme to be used in conjunction with the celebration of the 2013
National Women's History Month; and
WHEREAS, March is National Women's History Month, and Friday, March 8,
2013, is International Women's Day; and
WHEREAS, Each year New York State officially sets aside time to recog-
nize the unique contributions women have made to New York and its socie-
ty and is particularly pleased to recognize The National Women's History
Project and Debra Kolsrud for producing its theme; and
WHEREAS, The theme for National Women's History Month 2013 is: Women
Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); and
WHEREAS, Debra Kolsrud is one of three original incorporators for the
Elizabeth Cady Stanton Hometown Association (ECSHA) of Johnstown, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 2008, this vital organization educates and
promotes Elizabeth Cady Stanton's legacy of advocating equal rights for
women of all ages; and
WHEREAS, Debra Kolsrud served as ECSHA's first Chairwoman from 2009 to
2011; she spent her career as an educator and is currently an adjunct
faculty member at Fulton-Montgomery Community College teaching courses
in the English department; and
WHEREAS, In July of 2008, Debra Kolsrud moved from California to
Johnstown, New York, after purchasing the historic Colonial-style home,
built in 1798, known locally as Mrs. Henry's Boarding House; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Henry's Boarding House is where Susan B. Anthony lived
while she and Johnstown native, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, were writing the
third volume of the HISTORY OF WOMAN SUFFRAGE in 1884; and
WHEREAS, Both women worked in the home writing that volume, with Susan
B. Anthony living at the boarding house, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton
residing nearby at her sister's home; and
WHEREAS, Today, it is the only property in Johnstown, New York, with a
direct link to both of these remarkable women; with a large plaque out
front which describes the significance of the residence, this Colonial
house remains a private residence which Debra Kolsrud is in the process
of restoring; and
WHEREAS, In addition to Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony,
both of whom led the campaign for women's suffrage, New York State has
been the home of many extraordinary women who have led society to a
better future: Sojourner Truth spoke out for the abolition of slavery
and for suffrage for women; suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt became the
first president of the League of Women Voters; Emma Willard opened the
first endowed institution for the education of women; Civil War surgeon
Dr. Mary E. Walker was the only woman ever awarded the Congressional
Medal of Honor; Harriet Tubman was an abolitionist who led slaves to
freedom by way of the Underground Railroad; in the 19th Century, Eliza-

beth Blackwell and Belva Lockwood were the first women in the fields of
medicine and law; pioneer birth control educator and advocate Margaret
Sanger established a research center in New York City; Emma Goldman
founded the Free Speech League which led to the American Civil Liberties
Union; humanitarian Eleanor Roosevelt served as United States Delegate
to the United Nations; civil rights lawyer and New York State Senator
Constance Baker Motley became the first black woman to sit on the U.S.
District Court in New York, and so many more known and unknown women who
championed rights and opportunity for all; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when indi-
viduals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Debra Kolsrud of Johnstown, New York, for her skillfully
worded theme to be used in conjunction with the celebration of the 2013
National Women's History Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Debra Kolsrud.