LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating seven generations of the Osborn Fami-
ly

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those who would
devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate
seven generations of the Osborn Family; and
WHEREAS, The Putnam County Historical Society inaugurated a new tradi-
tion by honoring the first family of Philipstown at its gala on Satur-
day, September 26, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The event celebrated seven generations of the Osborn family
in the Hudson Highlands; over a century and a half, members of the
Osborn family have made myriad, far-reaching contributions to the pres-
ervation of the natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley; and
WHEREAS, The history of the Osborns on the majestic stretch of the
Hudson Highlands began with William Henry Osborn, born in 1820, who rose
to prominence and wealth as President of the Illinois Central Railroad
and as a philanthropist; among the generations that followed were trus-
tees or officers of some of the most celebrated institutions, including:
a director of the American Museum of Natural History, a president of the
New York Zoological Society, and a 50-year chairman of the Children's
Aid Society; and
WHEREAS, Committed to the environmental preservation of the Hudson
River Valley and the planet, within Philipstown, the Osborn family
donated the following: Sugarloaf Mountain to the Taconic State Park
Commission; over 1,000 acres to the State of New York in order to create
Hudson Highlands State Park; and the South Redoubt to the Garrison
School, creating the Garrison School Forest; and
WHEREAS, The Osborns were also instrumental in persuading New York
State to acquire and preserve Constitution Marsh; it is the far-reaching
contributions of the Philipstown Osborn families that comprise the rich
history of the Highlands today; and
WHEREAS, Katherine Roberts, Anita and Nathaniel Prentice, and Anne and
Frederick Osborn III, truly honor the legacy of their ancestors, and
also continue to support and serve on the boards of numerous organiza-
tions promoting the preservation of the Hudson Valley Region; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned our
recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate seven generations of the Osborn Family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Osborn Family.