LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent is to promote conservation education and outdoor recreation and
to encourage the appreciation and understanding of the environment as a
whole; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum upon the occasion of celebrating its
50th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, In the summer of 1959, a group of 38 selected Cornwall
students participated in a Summer Science Workshop lead by Dr. Bettison
Shapiro and his wife, Avahlee; these students were guided through a
season of discovery in the sciences, history, culture and the arts; and
WHEREAS, The Shapiro's approach to this rich educational experience
empowered students by providing opportunities and support for each
student to pursue their studies based on their natural fascination and
curiosity about their world; the workshop experience culminated in a
public exhibit created by the students that was displayed at the Corn-
wall Town Hall; and
WHEREAS, From this extraordinary workshop grew the plans to create a
Cornwall Neighborhood Museum; Dr. Shapiro's vision for the museum
included public exhibits, educational programs for area schools as well
as museum workshops; and
WHEREAS, In late 1959, Dr. Shapiro saw his dream come to life when the
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum opened as a center for nature, with a
focus on environmental education and a mission to develop responsible
caretakers for the natural world; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum has devel-
oped quality educational programs for students and the public that focus
on the unique ecology of the Hudson Highlands all the while promoting
knowledge and appreciation for the natural world; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum continues to be an
important mechanism for connecting New Yorkers of all ages to the magic
of the natural world as a place for great wonder and learning; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history the Hudson Highlands
Nature Museum has had thousands of children pass through its doors, hike
its trails, and look for insects in the fields; each year the Museum
reaches over 30,000 children and adults thereby creating future gener-
ations of nature lovers; 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 celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum upon the occasion of cele-
brating its 50th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum.