LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Historic
Cherry Hill

WHEREAS, The quality of life of the citizens of the State of New York is
greatly enriched by its exceptional cultural, educational, and recre-
ational institutions; 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 Historic Cherry Hill, which was celebrated
on Sunday, October 5, 2014, at the Albany Visitors Center, Albany, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Cherry Hill, a 1787 wood-framed, Georgian-style farmhouse,
was home to the Van Rensselaer-Rankin family from 1787-1963; and
WHEREAS, On October 6, 1964, Cherry Hill was established as a museum;
the owner, Emily Rankin, left the estate to the people of New York and
seven years later, it was added to the National Register of Historic
Places; and
WHEREAS, Historic Cherry Hill's family heirlooms span five gener-
ations, consisting of more than three centuries; 20,000 objects, 30,000
manuscripts, 7,500 textiles, 5,000 books, and 3,000 photographs are on
display; visitors to the museum can see rare and fine pieces of furni-
ture, decorative arts, and household objects, such as toothbrushes and
pet cages; the collection's intact nature and well-documented provenance
make them a remarkable document of American social history; and
WHEREAS, Historic Cherry Hill strives to interpret and provide access
to one of Albany's rich, historical resources through its educational
initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Historic Cherry Hill's vision is to be transformed from a
local house museum into a center for the study and interpretation of
America's social, political, and economic history; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that New York
State's invaluable cultural, educational, and recreational institutions
should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Historic Cherry Hill; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Historic Cherry Hill.