Assembly Resolution No. 1419
BY: M. of A. Santabarbara
MOURNING the untimely death of Christopher G.
Hunter, distinguished historian, archivist, and
devoted member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Christopher "Chris" Hunter of Saratoga, New York, died on
March 22, 2026, at the age of 54; and
WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Born to George T. and Margaret L. Hunter, Christopher G.
Hunter was born on March 22, 1972, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Graduating from Linton High School in 1990, Christopher G.
Hunter received his bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport in 1994; he
went on to complete a master's degree in finance from Syracuse
University in 1995, and also received a master's degree in history from
the University at Albany in 2000; and
WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter, with a deep interest in history,
executed extensive research on a Civil War company for his master's
degree, and also enjoyed trips to historic parks such as Saratoga
Battlefield, Gettysburg, Antietam, Chancellorsville, and others; and
WHEREAS, Passionate about learning throughout his life, Christopher
G. Hunter volunteered at the then Schenectady Museum in 1998, and
later, was hired to assist with the museum's archives and millions of
photographs and documents; and
WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter went on to become a well-known
professional in his local community and to historians around the world;
and
WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter held the title of vice president of
collections and exhibitions before being promoted to president of the
museum, which is now known as the Museum of Science and Innovation
(miSci), in 2025; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated historian and archivist, Christopher G. Hunter
was widely respected for his knowledge of electrical and technological
history, and was always willing to offer his valuable insight on a wide
variety of subject matter such as the history of Schenectady and General
Electric; and
WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter served on many boards throughout his
life, ranging from Vale Cemetery to Discover Schenectady, and had also
recently joined the Rotary; he also gave hundreds of tours over the
years sharing his love for history of the region; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his passing, Christopher G. Hunter created a new
exhibit at the museum which features artifacts from WRGB, a local news
station, and from General Electric; families, community members, and
visitors from near and far are finding great interest in the new
exhibit-a glowing testament to his vision, leadership, legacy, and
valuable lifework in the wake of his tragic passing; and
WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, To celebrate and honor Christopher G. Hunter's dedication
to the museum and his community, a Celebration of Life will be held on
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Museum of Innovation and Science; tours
of the museum archives will be offered in honor of his decades of work
in that space; and
WHEREAS, Christopher G. Hunter is survived by his wife, Claudia;
stepdaughter, Fernanda; mother, Margaret; brothers, Michael Hunter and
Joseph (Cassie) Hunter; niece, Savannah; and nephew, Noah; he was
predeceased by his father George; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Christopher Hunter leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Christopher G. Hunter, distinguished
historian, archivist, and devoted member of his community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Christopher G. Hunter.
