LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the
historic Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge Number 79 to be observed with
Barge 100, a year-long celebration commencing with a Pirate Ball on
September 19, 2014

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 commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the historic Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge
Number 79 to be observed with Barge 100, a year-long celebration
commencing with a Pirate Ball to benefit The Red Hook Waterfront Museum
on Friday, September 19, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Barge 100 is to raise awareness of the Lehigh
Valley Railroad Barge Number 79, and to ensure that future generations
continue to learn from this historic vessel; and
WHEREAS, Built in 1914, the Number 79 represents the only surviving
wooden example of the Hudson River Railroad Barge from the Lighterage
Age (1860-1960) that remains afloat and is accessible to the general
public; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Barge is a rarity based not only upon her
historic significance and social impact, but also upon her pristine
state of preservation; and
WHEREAS, In 1986, Captain David Sharps founded the Waterfront Museum
aboard the Barge to promote understanding of New York Harbor's maritime
history, and its importance to the commercial, cultural and recreational
life of the city and the world; and
WHEREAS, Operating this unique vessel as a Museum, which offers a
diverse variety of activities, draws visitors from far and wide to enjoy
its entertainment, participate in educational and outreach programs, and
help to develop the pier-side community garden; and
WHEREAS, By facilitating cultural programs along the style of actual
showboats that plied the New York Harbor in the early Twentieth Century,
the Museum perpetuates that era of family entertainment, and highlights
the importance of the waterfront throughout history as a center for
community life; and
WHEREAS, The Museum and the Barge have been docked in Red Hook, Brook-
lyn since 1994, and have become both a neighborhood landmark and a
source of pride for the community; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the historic
Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge Number 79 may take just pride in its
purposeful growth, as it looks forward to continuing to serve the educa-
tional, cultural and intellectual needs of the community; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the historic Lehigh Valley Railroad
Barge Number 79 to be observed with Barge 100, a year-long celebration
commencing with a Pirate Ball on September 19, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance.