Senate Resolution No. 460

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2021, as Historic Preservation Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of the need to
protect the unique historical treasures which exist across New York
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2021, as Historic
Preservation Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Historic Preservation Month; and

WHEREAS, On October 15, 1966, the United States Congress passed the
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) making the Federal Government
a full partner and source of leadership for preservation to "foster
conditions under which our modern society and our prehistoric and
historic resources can exist in productive harmony"; and

WHEREAS, The passage of the NHPA 50 years ago marked a fundamental
shift in how Americans and the Federal Government regarded the role of
historic preservation in modern life, and led to the vastly more complex
historic preservation mosaic we know today; and

WHEREAS, In 1971, the National Trust for Historic Preservation
created Preservation Week to spotlight local preservation efforts in
America, which has since grown into National Historic Preservation
Month; and

WHEREAS, Today, Historic Preservation Month in the State of New York
is observed by small towns and big cities across the state during the
month of May, with events ranging from architectural and historic tours,
to fundraising events, and educational programs; and

WHEREAS, The preservation of New York's many diverse historic
properties is both a public activity and a private passion supported by
individual citizens, organizations, businesses, communities, elected
officials, and public institutions working together to protect our rich
cultural legacy; and

WHEREAS, Within the past generation, historic preservation has
evolved from a cause with limited support into a broad based popular
movement for those who wish to learn about and embrace America's
heritage in a direct and meaningful way; and

WHEREAS, Greater recognition that historic preservation is often
associated with economic success, as well as the belief that
preservation of historic districts, sites, buildings, structures, and
objects enhances the quality of life of our communities has caused
public support for historic preservation to flow from the bottom up,
making it in the truest sense a grassroots movement; and


WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that New York's
invaluable cultural, educational, and historic 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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2021, as Historic
Preservation Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.