LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 225th Anniversary of the Albany
Institute of History & Art on February 26, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate those
events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and inspira-
tion to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities of
the State of New York; 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 225th Anniversary of the Albany Institute of History & Art to
be celebrated at a press conference and a special cake cutting by Presi-
dent George Washington on Friday, February 26, 2016; and
WHEREAS, In addition, a 225th Members Birthday Party will be held on
Friday, March 11, 2016, at the Institute to recognize and give thanks to
its many loyal members and donors; and
WHEREAS, The Albany Institute of History & Art, located in Albany, New
York, is the oldest museum in New York State, and the second oldest in
the country; the renowned museum is older than both The Louvre and the
Smithsonian Institute, and George Washington was President of this great
Nation when the Museum first opened its doors in New York City's Federal
Hall in 1791; and
WHEREAS, On February 26, 1791, the Institute was incorporated as the
Society of the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufacturing;
supported by the New York state legislature, to which it served as an
informational advisor, the society met to improve the state's economy
through advances in agricultural methods and manufacturing technologies;
and
WHEREAS, In accordance with the condition that they meet where the New
York State Legislature convened, the society moved to Albany, New York,
in 1797, when it became the state capital; and
WHEREAS, For 225 years, the Albany Institute of History & Art has been
dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and promoting inter-
est in the history, art, and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson
Valley; the museum achieves this mission through its collections, exhi-
bitions, education programs, library, research projects, publications,
and other programs offered to the general public; and
WHEREAS, With more than 35,000 objects and one million documents in
the library, it is an important resource for the region, giving the
community a sense of the part the Hudson Valley played in the American
story and its own place in history; and
WHEREAS, Although the Albany Institute of History & Art is famous for
its significant Hudson River school paintings, by artists such as Thomas
Cole and Frederic Church, the broad scope of its collections includes
fine arts, furnishings, personal objects, documents, manuscripts, photo-
graphs, and personal papers used by people of all ages, social classes,
economic conditions, and cultural groups; and
WHEREAS, Permanent and temporary exhibitions are open year-round and
create a sense of place; each year, 25,000 visitors enjoy meeting the
people who helped shape this region; and
WHEREAS, Art and history lovers have enjoyed long-term exhibitions
including "Ancient Egypt," "Nineteenth-Century American Sculpture:
Erastus Dow Palmer, Launt Thompson, Charles Calverley," and "Traders and
Culture: Colonial Albany and the Formation of American Identity"; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Executive Director, Tammis
Groft, the Albany Institute of History & Arts' Education programs serve
10,000 students, teachers, adult learners, and families every year; the
staff of the education department strives to connect the community to

its collections and exhibitions through lifelong learning opportunities
which serve toddlers to older adults; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, the education department has developed programs for
school children and their teachers which provide formal learning experi-
ences which support their curricula; a full range of informal, public
programs are also offered to the community to help people of all ages
connect to arts and culture and to each other; every program offered has
been tested and piloted before being fully implemented; and
WHEREAS, From 1998-2001, the Albany Institute of History & Art raised
$17 million to bring the museum galleries and facilities up to 21st
century standards with a renovation and expansion project which created
the museum which is visited by numerous history buffs and art enthusi-
asts today; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that New York
State's invaluable cultural, educational, and recreational 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
commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the Albany Institute of History &
Art on February 26, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tammis Groft, Executive Director, Albany Institute of History
& Art.