Senate Resolution No. 2087
BY: Senator GRIFFO
COMMENDING the Oneida County History Center upon
the occasion of celebrating its 150th Anniversary in
2026
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations that embrace the historical significance and contributions
of their localities which strengthen the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Oneida County History Center upon the occasion of
celebrating its 150th Anniversary in 2026; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1876 by a group of influential citizens in
Oneida County, New York, the Oneida County History Center, originally
named the Oneida County Historical Society, has always been driven by
the mission to document, collect, preserve, and share the rich history
of Oneida County and its surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, The excitement surrounding history during the Nation's
centennial celebration inspired residents to found the Oneida County
History Center; as the United States celebrates its 250th year, the
Oneida County History Center continues to foster an excitement and
passion for history; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, many significant individuals have
become members of the Oneida County History Center, including Horatio
Seymour, who served as governor of New York and was appointed as the
organization's first president; and
WHEREAS, In 1879, the Oneida County History Center established its
first headquarters in a newly built library; during its early years, the
organization initiated many projects, including the 100th anniversary
celebration of the Battle of Oriskany, the construction of the Oriskany
Monument, and the development of a marker at the site of Old Fort
Schuyler; and
WHEREAS, As the Oneida County History Center continued to grow, the
organization moved to the newly constructed Munson-Williams Memorial
building at 600 Park Avenue in 1896; and
WHEREAS, After moving to its new headquarters, the Oneida County
History Center was able to grow its library and artifact collection,
hold public lectures, and establish the "Hall of Fame of Oneida County,"
which began in 1946; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, the Oneida County History Center purchased its
current home at 1608 Genesee Street in Utica, New York; formerly home to
the Church of Christ, Scientists, the Oneida County History Center was
careful to retain many original features of the building during
renovations, including its Roman square windows, brass neoclassical
light fixtures, and stained-glass windows; and
WHEREAS, Due to its historical significance and intentional
preservation, the building currently housing the Oneida County History
Center at 1608 Genesee Street, which began construction in 1914, was
listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 28, 2023;
and
WHEREAS, With a desire to make clear that the organization is
committed to welcoming and involving all members of the public, the name
"Oneida County History Center" was adopted in January 2017, replacing
the original "Historical Society" title; and
WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 150-year history, the Oneida County
History Center has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Oneida County History Center is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated past and present
board members, staff, and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always
has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Oneida
County History Center may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as
it looks forward to continuing to serve the educational, cultural, and
intellectual needs of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Oneida County History Center upon the occasion of
celebrating its 150th Anniversary in 2026; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Oneida County History Center.
