LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the dedication of Copland House in
Cortlandt Manor, New York, as a National Historic Landmark on May 31,
2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
those historic sites within the State of New York which serve as lasting
reminders of our rich and unique past; 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 dedication of Copland House in Cortlandt Manor, New York, as a
National Historic Landmark on May 31, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The longtime home of iconic American composer Aaron Copland,
Copland House is surrounded by three acres of woodland near the Hudson
River in northern Westchester County; and
WHEREAS, Also known as Rock Hill, Copland House is where Aaron Copland
worked on his last major compositions and authored his two-volume
memoirs with Vivian Perlis as well as many articles; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Copland House was a destination for two gener-
ations of composers, who ventured to Cortlandt Manor for Aaron Copland's
advice, support and friendship, as well as countless scholars, journal-
ists, musicians and dignitaries; and
WHEREAS, After Aaron Copland died in 1990, a grassroots coalition of
local citizens and Town of Cortlandt officials sought to preserve
Copland House to honor his extraordinary musical and personal legacies;
and
WHEREAS, Following extensive renovations, Copland House became opera-
tional as a creative center for American music in 1998, the only compos-
er's home in the United States devoted to nurturing and renewing Ameri-
ca's rich musical heritage through a broad range of musical,
educational, public, informational and electronic-media programs; and
WHEREAS, The numerous programs offered at Copland House include: a
coveted composer residency program; an acclaimed touring resident cham-
ber ensemble, Music from Copland House; in-school activities for
students from the 2nd grade through college; recordings, broadcasts and
internet projects; tours of Copland House; and lectures, master classes,
workshops, exhibits, film screenings and other presentations; and
WHEREAS, Championing every stage of the creative process, Copland
House provides an inspiring workplace where composers can create,
publicly explore and disseminate their work, preserve their music elec-
tronically and bring them into direct contact with the public; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those organizations and individuals who seek to bring recog-
nition to historical places within the State of New York, and in doing
so, help to ensure that the complete history of our State and Nation is
preserved and shared with present generations of citizens; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Copland House, and for all of the
individuals who have worked to bring proper attention to a place which
merits recognition in the grand panorama of the history of our State and
Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the dedication of Copland House in Cortlandt Manor, New
York, as a National Historic Landmark on May 31, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Copland House.