LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Roches-
ter Museum and Science Center Strasenburgh Planetarium

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by its
exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that insti-
tutions that give positive definition to the profile and disposition of
the communities of the State of New York profoundly strengthen our soci-
ety with their commitment; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 40th Anniversary of the Rochester Museum and Science Center
Strasenburgh Planetarium; and
WHEREAS, On September 14, 1968, the Rochester Museum and Science
Center (RMSC) Strasenburgh Planetarium, with NASA Administrator James E.
Webb and astronaut Pete Conrad on hand, began its mission of taking
visitors into space; and
WHEREAS, Since its opening, RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium has produced
and presented scores of innovative, award-winning programs and star
shows designed to increase understanding and awareness of the last great
frontier; and
WHEREAS, The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium's massive, 65-foot-diameter
dome screen is a perfect canvas for capturing the complexity of the
universe, and turning high-resolution images into total immersive envi-
ronments; no other theater can match its ability to display the motion
of the sun, moon and planets, capturing in moments what it took centu-
ries for the human mind to grasp; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium experience was
enhanced with a giant-screen motion-picture projector, providing visi-
tors with a unique new window on their world; and
WHEREAS, The newest feature at the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium is a
Star Theater upgrade -- the Dataton Watchout multi-screen video system;
it puts audiences on the bridge of a spaceship, sailing through the vast
Orion Nebula, the cramped tunnels of the International Space Station or
the inner space of a living cell; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium has
welcomed numerous dignitaries and guest speakers, including astronauts,
rocket pioneers, and musicians; however, its most important visitors are
the thousands of school children who experience the wonder of stars and
the magic that is the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium is more
important than ever; plans are underway for much needed building reno-
vations and system upgrades to ensure that Rochester's next generation
of space explorers have the best launch pad in the world; and
WHEREAS, The Strasenburgh Planetarium is an integral part of the
Rochester Museum and Science Center, established in 1912 as the City of
Rochester, New York's Municipal Museum; its mission is to stimulate
broad community interest and understanding of science and technology,
and their impact -- past, present, and future -- on our lives; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its current President, Kate
Bennett, the Rochester Museum and Science Center continues to create and
implement strategic business plans for the 21st Century; understanding
the value of careful listening and collaboration, it will continue to
grow and change in concert with the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-

tion, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Rochester Museum and Science
Center Strasenburgh Planetarium; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kate Bennett, President, Rochester Museum and Science Center,
Rochester, New York.