LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of The Olana
Partnership

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 the
organizations which support them; these organizations give positive
definition to the profile and disposition of the communities of the
State of New York and profoundly strengthen our society with their
commitment; 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 50th Anniversary of The Olana Partnership; and
WHEREAS, Widely considered the greatest masterpiece of Frederic Edwin
Church, the preeminent American artist of the mid-19th Century, the
Olana State Historic Site is one of the most important artist's homes,
studios and designed landscapes in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The Olana was originally designed by Frederick Edwin Church
as a holistic environment integrating his advanced ideas about art,
architecture, landscape design, and environmental conservation; its 250
acres of artist-designed landscape includes a house inspired by Persian
styles which sits at a summit of a hill featuring unrivaled panoramic
views of the Hudson Valley; and
WHEREAS, The Olana Partnership is a private not-for-profit educational
corporation which works cooperatively with New York State to support the
restoration, conservation, and interpretation of Olana State Historic
Site; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1966, the New York State legislature passed a bill
authorizing the purchase of the Olana estate, with an organization known
as Olana Preservation, Inc. contributing funds to its opening as a New
York State Historic Site in June of 1967; and
WHEREAS, Olana Preservation, Inc. disbanded shortly thereafter, but
several of its key members rejoined to start the nonprofit Friends of
Olana in 1971; this organization later changed its name to The Olana
Partnership in 2000; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to inspiring the public by preserving and inter-
preting Frederic Church's artistic masterwork, The Olana Partnership
continues to play an integral role in supporting New York State's Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation efforts at Olana; and
WHEREAS, In addition, The Olana Partnership is committed to providing
continuous operational support by offering on-site curatorial and
archival staff, and landscape maintenance, as well as managing the gift
store and membership program; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Olana State Historic Site is a designated National
Historic Landmark and one of the most visited sites in the state with
more than 150,000 visitors annually; and
WHEREAS, The expert members and staff of The Olana Partnership, are
and always have been characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence, and
accordingly merit the commendation of this Legislative Body; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of The Olana Partnership; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Olana Partnership.