LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Norman S. Rice upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition for his life-long dedication to the
Albany Institute of History & Art

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Norman S. Rice upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion for his life-long dedication to the Albany Institute of History &
Art; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the annual Museum
Gala, to be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at the home of Mr. E.
Stewart and Mrs. Kimberly Sanger Jones; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1791, The Albany Institute of History & Art is one
of the oldest museums in the United States; it also is the major reposi-
tory for the region's heritage, with nationally significant collections;
and
WHEREAS, The genesis of the Albany Institute of History & Art began
with The Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufac-
tures, founded in New York City in Federal Hall; supported by the New
York state legislature, to which it served as an informational advisor,
the Society met to improve the state's economy through advances in agri-
cultural methods and manufacturing technologies; it moved to Albany in
1797, when it became the state capital; and
WHEREAS, The Albany Institute of History & Art is dedicated to
collecting, preserving, interpreting, and promoting interest in the
history, art, and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley; the
museum achieves this mission through its collections, exhibitions,
education programs, library, research projects, publications, and other
programs offered to the general public; and
WHEREAS, Norman S. Rice is the Director Emeritus of the Albany Insti-
tute of History & Art; and
WHEREAS, A Massachusetts native and graduate of Harvard University,
Norman S. Rice began his career at the Albany Institute of History & Art
in 1953 as curator; he was appointed director in 1967, serving for twen-
ty years with three board presidents, and retiring in 1986; and
WHEREAS, Norman S. Rice is best known for building the collection at
the Albany Institute of History & Art; beginning with his curatorial
years and throughout his directorship, the Institute's fine and decora-
tive-arts collections were expanded and again refined; and
WHEREAS, Highlights of the acquisitions made by Norman S. Rice for the
Albany Institute of History & Art include numerous portraits of Ezra
Ames, Empire furniture made by Charles-Honore Lannuier, silver that
includes the Ten Broeck silver brandy bowl made by Jacob C. Ten Eyck,
and a large collection of drawings by Will H. Low; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Norman S. Rice was instrumental in acquiring the
impressive New York Central Railroad Collection, a donation from the
railroad in 1959; he also documented the Institute's important silver
and furniture collections in illustrated, annotated catalogues, ALBANY
SILVER, 1652-1825 and NEW YORK FURNITURE BEFORE 1840; and

WHEREAS, Norman S. Rice continues to act as a researcher and consult-
ing curator for the Albany Institute of History & Art, and is presently
working on a project documenting the Van Rensselaer Patroon; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Norman S. Rice;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional service to
the Albany Institute of History & Art, a period of constructive involve-
ment, Norman S. Rice has stood constant in dignity, good grace and
humor, and has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues,
family and friends; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals 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
honor Norman S. Rice upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition for his life-long dedication to the Albany Institute of
History & Art; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Norman S. Rice.