N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 9 § 5.107
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State of New York to preserve, protect and promote its unique heritage for the benefit of its citizens and the millions of tourists who visit the Empire State each year;
WHEREAS, New York State has been home to many historic events of national and international renown that have played an integral role in shaping and creating the world we live in today;
WHEREAS, New York State was the birthplace of the Women's Rights Movement in America, was home to notable African-Americans active in the Civil Rights Movement, played an important role in the Underground Railroad to Freedom, was the site of critical battles during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, was home to American Presidents and was the birthplace of the Canal System--New Yorkers should be proud of the contributions this great State has made to the development of our Nation;
WHEREAS, New York State possesses and cares for one of the largest and most diverse collections of art, historic artifacts, archives and cultural resources in the Nation, ranging from historic homes to an unparalleled collection of 19th and 20th Century artwork to an original draft of the Emancipation Proclamation. This collection represents a vital part of our State's history; and
WHEREAS, New York's rich heritage and culture should be celebrated, shared and preserved for generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE E. PATAKI, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of New York, do hereby establish the New York State Heritage Commission to bring to life the history of New York State and enable citizens and visitors to discover and enjoy our State's rich heritage and culture.
The Commission membership shall consist of the commissioners of the Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Agriculture and Markets, State Education Department, Department of Transportation, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Office of General Services, the Secretary of State, the chairs of the Empire State Development Corporation, Office for Technology, Thruway Authority and the New York State Council on the Arts, the executive directors of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Adjutant General, or their respective designees, and such other members as the Governor may appoint. The Governor shall designate a chair from among the members of the Commission. The members of the Commission shall receive no additional compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses reasonably incurred in the course of discharging their official duties hereunder.
The Commission shall develop a New York State Heritage Trails Program. The Program shall encourage economic development in New York State based upon history and tourism and create new opportunities for visitors to discover and appreciate our State's unique heritage through a system of thematic heritage trails. The Commission may utilize items from the State's historical collection to assist in interpreting and promoting the history of our great State.
The Commission shall coordinate the administration of the State's historical collection. The Commission shall create a statewide inter-agency program to identify and catalog all historically significant items for the purpose of preserving and displaying these valuable treasures for future generations. The Commission shall work collaboratively with state agencies to ensure proper storage and safekeeping, and it shall explore opportunities for greater public access to the collection. The Commission may coordinate with private collectors and cultural institutions on projects to promote public appreciation of New York State's historical and cultural resources.
The Commission is hereby authorized to call upon any agency, department, office, division, public benefit corporation or public authority of this State to supply it with such information, personnel and assistance as it deems necessary to discharge its responsibilities under this Order. Each agency, department, office, division, public benefit corporation and public authority of this State is hereby directed to cooperate with the Commission and to furnish to the Commission such information, personnel and assistance as is necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Order. Such assistance may include the assignment of staff and the provision of support services.
Signed: George E. PatakiDated: February 9, 2001
[FN*] [Revoked by Executive Order No. 9 (David A. Paterson), infra.]
[Revoked by Executive Order No. 2 (Andrew M. Cuomo), infra.]
N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 5.107