Senate Resolution No. 3809

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Liselle LaFrance upon the occasion of
stepping down as Director of Historic Cherry Hill in
Albany, New York, after 26 years of distinguished
service

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who made significant
contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Liselle
LaFrance upon the occasion of stepping down as Director of Historic
Cherry Hill in Albany, New York, after 26 years of distinguished
service; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a party held
in her honor on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the Albany Institute in
Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, For the past 26 years, Liselle LaFrance has served as
Director of Historic Cherry Hill, a wood-framed, Georgian-style
farmhouse, which was home to the Van Rensselaer-Rankin family from
1787-1963; since it was established as a museum on October 6, 1964,
Historic Cherry Hill has strived to interpret and provide access to one
of Albany's rich, historical resources through its educational
initiatives; and

WHEREAS, In her role as Director, Liselle LaFrance diligently worked
to raise significant funds, make necessary improvements and accomplish
many goals, thereby, transforming the museum into a nationally
recognized center for the study and interpretation of American history;
and

WHEREAS, Under Liselle LaFrance's luminous leadership, and through
the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, thousands of pieces of history
from the 231 year-old farmhouse's attic were removed and placed in the
new Edward Frisbee Center for Collections & Research; this
climate-controlled facility has given thousands of visitors the
opportunity to view the museum's vast collection of 70,000 artifacts and
manuscripts collected from a family who lived over two centuries ago;
and

WHEREAS, Liselle LaFrance then led the monumental effort to
stabilize the farmhouse; after the building was made structurally sound,
the Heritage Preservation and the American Institute for Conservation
presented Liselle LaFrance and Historic Cherry Hill with the 2009 Award
for Outstanding Commitment to the Preservation and Care of Collections;
and


WHEREAS, For the past 26 years, Liselle LaFrance rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to Historic Cherry Hill in Albany,
New York; and

WHEREAS, In her capacity as Director, Liselle LaFrance served with
loyalty, honor and distinction; in her official acts, she was governed
by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human
problems; and

WHEREAS, During her tenure with Historic Cherry Hill, Liselle
LaFrance earned the admiration, esteem and affection of her colleagues;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Liselle LaFrance upon the occasion of stepping down as Director
of Historic Cherry Hill in Albany, New York, after 26 years of
distinguished service, and to wish her continued success in all her
future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Liselle LaFrance.