LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Erie
Canal Museum in Syracuse, New York

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate those
events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and inspira-
tion to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities of
the State of New York; 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 50th Anniversary of the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, New
York; and
WHEREAS, When the Erie Canal Museum opened its doors on October 25,
1962, it celebrated and preserved the life of the last remaining Weigh-
lock Building in America; and
WHEREAS, This Greek revival building stands as a monument to the
importance of the Erie Canal to the history of the United States; and
WHEREAS, The Weighlock Building was occupied by the New York State
Department of Public Works until 1954; in 1956, two members of the New
York State Canal Society, both state legislators, sponsored legislation
to give the building to the New York State Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, In a surprise move, Governor Harriman vetoed the legislation
over the almost unanimous vote of the legislature saying that a future
highway interchange might claim the building; and
WHEREAS, At this point, the Junior League of Syracuse took notice and
was shocked to find drawings at the DPW showing Interstate 81 going
right over the Weighlock Building and Syracuse City Hall; and
WHEREAS, The Junior League of Syracuse persuaded the Onondaga County
Board of Supervisors to accept the Weighlock Building on behalf of Onon-
daga County; the transfer from the State was authorized by the legisla-
ture and signed into law by Governor Rockefeller; and
WHEREAS, The instrument of conveyance from New York State provided
that the property must be used for a "public canal museum"; consequent-
ly, at the request of the County, the original Board of Trustees started
out to create such a museum; and
WHEREAS, Work began in earnest, mostly with volunteers, to clean,
paint and revitalize the interior of the building, while County employ-
ees made a significant contribution to the renovation of the building;
and
WHEREAS, In September of 1962, the Board of Regents granted a provi-
sional charter and the formal opening in October was greeted by large,
enthusiastic crowds; the absolute charter of the Museum was issued by
the Board of Regents on March 29, 1968; and
WHEREAS, Committed to preserving the only existing Weighlock Building
in the United States, the Erie Canal Museum collects and conserves Canal
material, champions an appreciation and understanding of Erie Canal
history through educational programming and promotes an awareness of the
Canal's transforming effects on the past, present and future; and
WHEREAS, As the world's leading interpreter of Erie Canal history, the
vision of the Erie Canal Museum is to advance the understanding of the
profound influence of the Erie Canal on the history of Central New York,
the United States and the world; and
WHEREAS, The present professional Erie Canal Museum and the attached
Syracuse Heritage Area Visitor Center stands as testimony to the work of
many dedicated people; and
WHEREAS, The Erie Canal Museum, which is accredited by the American
Association of Museums, is visited annually by many thousands of visi-
tors from all 50 states and many foreign countries; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when insti-
tutions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and 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 50th Anniversary of the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse,
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Erie Canal Museum.