Assembly Resolution No. 393

BY: M. of A. McMahon

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Buffalo
Niagara Heritage Village at its Tonawanda Creek
Campus

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those organizations of historic significance whose dedicated
contributions have helped further the cultural enrichment of our
communities and our Nation; 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 Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village
at its Tonawanda Creek Campus; and

WHEREAS, The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is a museum and
ongoing preservation and conservation program located on a 35-acre
campus which houses 10 historic buildings constructed during the 19th
century; and

WHEREAS, The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village was originally located
on South Cayuga Road from 1971-1972; the museum focused on the history
of the area and its impact on the Buffalo Niagara Region; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, the museum relocated to its Smith Road location
and opened to the public in June of that year, offering a building with
a library and offices, and one for museum exhibits; and

WHEREAS, The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village moved to its current
Tonawanda Creek site in 1975 with the three original historic buildings
owned by the museum: the Bigelow House, Hoover House, and Williamsville
Schoolhouse; and

WHEREAS, In 1978, the museum broke ground for the construction of
the Steffen Building, ultimately being dedicated and opened two years
later in 1980; and

WHEREAS, Undergoing much growth and change over the course of its
storied history, the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village dedicated Colony
Hall in 1986; Colony Hall was later renamed the Shaw Museum Building in
1993 following the passing of the former museum director, Dr. Andrea
Shaw; and

WHEREAS, Truly upholding its mission to "preserve, interpret, and
exhibit the agricultural history of the Buffalo Niagara region," the
efforts of this commendable institution have brought about the
restoration of the buildings on site to their original 19th century
appearances, allowing visitors to experience what life was like in the
Buffalo Niagara Region during an earlier era; and

WHEREAS, Ever committed to its diverse community and preservation of
its rich history, the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village carries out its
educational mission through exhibits, interpretation of authentic
agricultural and rural life practices within the historic village and

through its working farmstead, numerous enriching programs,
informational group tours, captivating classes, unique artisan
workshops, revered community outreach activities, and commitment to
upholding community access to a variety of artifacts and historic
resources retained in its Collections and Research Library; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations 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 Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village
at its Tonawanda Creek Campus; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village.