LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat
Museum upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2010
Erie Canalway Heritage Award of Excellence

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that the quali-
ty of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched
by its exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions;
these institutions give positive definition to the profile and disposi-
tion of the communities of the State of New York and profoundly
strengthen our society with their commitment; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2010 Erie Canalway Heritage Award of
Excellence; and
WHEREAS, The Erie Canalway Heritage Award of Excellence honors and
celebrates significant places of the Erie Canalway National Heritage
Corridor and recognizes excellence in advancing the goals of the Erie
Canalway Preservation and Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum is located within
the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park in Central New York; and
WHEREAS, What was once an overgrown canal-side lot, now showcases the
only remaining boatyard on the canal, as well as a restored canal-side
store, full-sized canal boat exhibit, sawmill, blacksmith, and woodwork-
ing shops, and visitor education center; the site is listed on the State
and National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, During the 19th and 20th centuries, 96-foot long cargo boats
were built and repaired on the current site of the Chittenango Landing
Canal Boat Museum; the Museum tells of the construction of these boats,
the workings of the restored dry docks and the social history of the
Erie Canal area; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its Executive Director, Joan
DiChristina, the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum has been selected
as the recipient of the 2010 Erie Canalway Heritage Award of Excellence;
the award recognizes the Museum for 25 years of active archaeological
excavation and reconstruction of a buried three bay drydock where canal
boats were built and repaired on the Erie Canal from 1855 to 1920; and
WHEREAS, A five person independent jury selected the Chittenango Land-
ing Canal Boat Museum for this prestigious award and commended the Muse-
um for: reconstructing the dry dock and boat building complex over 25
years; serving as a regional education center; outstanding volunteerism
and community involvement; overcoming significant challenges, including
bringing water, sewer, and electricity to the site and carrying out the
entire project with no "road map" to follow; and contributing to the
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor by providing visitors the
opportunity to experience the Enlarged Erie Canal, towpath, boat build-
ing and repair facilities, and craftmanship that built the canal and
opened the nation in the 19th century; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an organ-
ization of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum upon the occasion
of its designation as recipient of the 2010 Erie Canalway Heritage Award
of Excellence; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joan DiChristina, Executive Director, The Chittenango Landing
Canal Boat Museum, 7010 Lakeport Road, Chittenango, New York 13037.