Assembly Resolution No. 1389

BY: M. of A. Bronson

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the
Strasenburgh Planetarium on September 14, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by
its exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Strasenburgh Planetarium on
Friday, September 14, 2018, at the Rochester Museum and Science Center;
and

WHEREAS, A department of the Rochester Museum and Science Center,
the Strasenburgh Planetarium is a public planetarium located on East
Avenue in the City of Rochester, New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1935, soon after the opening of major planetariums in
Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles, Arthur C. Parker,
Director of the Rochester Museum of Arts and Sciences, recommended
construction of a planetarium in Rochester; and

WHEREAS, In the fall of 1964, the Rochester Museum of Arts and
Sciences announced it had received a gift from Edwin and Clara
Strasenburgh of Rochester for the purpose of building a planetarium;
subsequently, construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on March
16, 1967; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated on September 14, 1968, the Strasenburgh
Planetarium is a 65-foot-diameter Star Theater which seats 225 and
houses the first Zeiss Mark VI planetarium projector; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Strasenburgh Planetarium has
provided unique experiences and enhanced perceptions of the wonders of
the universe; its public presentations include star shows, giant-screen
films, and laser light shows; and

WHEREAS, Under its four-story dome, this extraordinary planetarium
allows visitors to explore the starry night sky and immerse themselves
in the latest scientific explorations in an exciting virtual environment
to places where time, space, and size have new meanings; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, free public telescope viewing is offered on
Saturday evenings, and its Challenger Learning Center offers high-tech,
hands-on space mission simulations to school groups and the public; and

WHEREAS, The Strasenburgh Planetarium has received world-wide
attention for being the first planetarium to be computer automated; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 50-year history, the Strasenburgh
Planetarium has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Strasenburgh Planetarium is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its dedicated staff, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
institutions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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 Strasenburgh Planetarium on
September 14, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Strasenburgh Planetarium, Rochester, New York.