Assembly Resolution No. 679
BY: M. of A. Seawright
COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the
inhabitancy of Roosevelt Island
WHEREAS, Roosevelt Island is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of
residents living on the Island; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, the Roosevelt Island Historical Society was
founded to serve the community by preserving the legacy of the Island;
and
WHEREAS, The Society collects artifacts, documents, publications,
photographs, prints and other media recording the history of the Island
and its residents since colonial times to the present; and
WHEREAS, Over 1,450 issues of From the Archives have been published,
featuring articles on Roosevelt Island, New York City, and New York
State history, edited by Judith Berdy, as well 10 years of quarterly
newsletter Blackwell's Almanac, edited by Bobbie Slonevsky, with each
publication reaching over 800 subscribers; and
WHEREAS, The Society enriches future generations by maintaining
publicly available collections, conducting programs, including tours,
lectures, exhibitions, publications, and maintaining the Visitor Center;
and
WHEREAS, The 1909 Trolley Kiosk was acquired by the Society and
relocated to Roosevelt Island where it opened as a Visitor Center in
2007, providing over 50,000 visitors and residents annually with
information about Roosevelt Island history and sites; and
WHEREAS, The Society works with conservation groups to preserve and
protect Roosevelt Island's six landmark buildings and advocates with the
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), as well as New York City
and outside agencies, on the needs of these and other vital structures;
and
WHEREAS, The Roosevelt Island Historical Society received the
Landmarks Conservancy Lucy Moses Preservation Award for advocating for
the restoration and preservation of Blackwell House as well as awards
from Historic Districts Council, Friends of the Upper East Side Historic
District, and City Council Member Gifford Miller; and
WHEREAS, According to the 2020 United States Census, The 2 mile long
Roosevelt Island is home to 11,722 New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Roosevelt Island is home to six buildings and structures
that are New York City designated landmarks as well as appearing on the
National Register of Historic Places; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the inhabitancy of Roosevelt Island,
celebrating its remarkable history, the achievements of its residents,
and contributions to New York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution, suitable engrossed, be
transmitted to the Roosevelt Island Historical Society.
