LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of The Discov-
ery Center of the Southern Tier

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 organiza-
tions and individuals 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 commem-
orate the 25th Anniversary of The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier;
and
WHEREAS, The mission of The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier is
to develop the intellectual, physical and emotional well-being of the
children of the Southern Tier through participatory exhibits and
programs; these exhibits engage the senses, challenge the mind and offer
a diverse framework for discovery in the arts, sciences and humanities;
and
WHEREAS, In 1978, The Binghamton Junior League, together with an
interested community group of private and professional individuals,
began to collaborate on a unique venture for the Southern Tier Region; a
children's museum was proposed which was to contain the accepted youth
museum criteria of interactive activities designed for spontaneous
learning, sparking the imagination, and engaging the senses; and
WHEREAS, The philosophical concept focused on awareness of "self" as
it relates to the community, the environment and the world; funding and
support came with ease, and the successful result was the 1984 opening
of The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier in an abandoned inner city
school gymnasium; and
WHEREAS, By 1986, increased attendance and lack of space led to nego-
tiations to renovate and move to a building located at Ross Park where
the third oldest Zoo in the country is located and a collaborative
relationship would form; and
WHEREAS, The Discovery Center is a hands-on interactive children's
museum serving the Southern Tier of New York and Northeastern Pennsylva-
nia; this remarkable 22,500 square foot space was created for, with and
by children; play and learning flow together in unique hands-on settings
designed with imagination, research and attention to the needs and spir-
it of today's learners; and
WHEREAS, Offering a safe, engaging and happy atmosphere, The Discovery
Center fosters play, sparks creative thinking and builds self-esteem;
its exhibits, themes and ambiance are community specific, yet it has a
wide margin for global discovery; and
WHEREAS, In addition to its interactive exhibits, The Discovery Center
offers family workshops, early childhood adventures, art expressions,
school programs, multi-cultural awareness, Discovery Kid's Summer Camps,
a state certified K-5 after school program and a licensed preschool
during the academic year; and
WHEREAS, The Discovery Center also has in-school educational programs
for Grades Pre-K through 5 with all program presentations adapted to the
appropriate age and grade level; 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
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of The Discovery Center of the Southern
Tier; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier.