Senate Resolution No. 618

BY: Senator RYAN

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of Erie
County, New York

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate the distinguished histories of the communities which
comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Erie County, New York, on Friday,
April 2, 2021; and

WHEREAS, This historic county's bicentennial commemoration provides
us an exciting opportunity to illuminate the little-known stories of the
past; throughout the coming year, Erie County will honor the
individuals, who through their contributions and sacrifices, helped to
build this community; and

WHEREAS, Erie County will endeavor to commemorate the many moments,
like the War of 1812, and the Pan-American Exposition, when the eyes of
the world were upon them, and they will celebrate the presidents, the
inventors, the individuals, and the millions of immigrants who helped to
forge the community and county; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Erie County Executive Mark C.
Poloncarz, this bicentennial celebration (EC200) will spotlight Erie
County's history, from its incorporation until today, and will also
commemorate the hardworking individuals who built Erie County; and

WHEREAS, Erie County's bicentennial will be celebrated with
impressive shows filled with fun, education, and history; these are set
to begin on April 2, 2021, and run through April of 2022; many partners
and community volunteers are joining in this effort and supporting Erie
County's 200th Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, two years in the making, EC200 events include:
the Buffalo History Museum and activities; an EC200 Passport with over
30 historical sites to visit around Erie County; a special bicentennial
concert to be recorded by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for later
air; and "This Day in History," a video that recaps many important
historical events, automatically updating daily; and

WHEREAS, A variety of programs and speakers will all be included in
this yearlong celebration of these bicentennial festivities; the "Our
Town" series along with other videos of local historical significance
will be aired for the first time in many years, along with various
speaker series, reading events, and events highlighting the many ways
which local groups celebrate their traditions and holidays; and

WHEREAS, Virtual historical story maps will be created by the Erie
County Department of Environment and Planning and students at Buffalo
State College; an Erie County bicentennial exhibit will be opening at
the Buffalo History Museum; and Flying Bison Brewery will release "Erie

County Parks and Recreation" pilsner, a celebratory brew, with other
breweries expected to release their own bicentennial editions as well;
and

WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of
growth and change, Erie County continues its commitment to enhancing the
quality of life of its citizens, ensuring a positive business,
institutional and educational climate, and providing all essential
services; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Erie County, New York, recognizing
the significance of the role it continues to play in the life of the
community of the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mark Poloncarz, County Executive, Erie County, New York.