On February 24, Supervisor Ed Romaine announced that the Brookhaven Town Historian, Barbara Russell was the first appointee named to the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission. Mrs. Russell’s appointment by New York State Senator Robert Ortt II was at the request of State Senator Alexis Weik.
In January 2022, the New York State Legislature passed the New York State 250th Commemoration Act (S7700 and A8689) and Governor Hochul signed the legislation into law on February 24, 2022. The legislation establishes a 21-member commission to support and facilitate local efforts by heritage organizations, municipalities, and others in commemoration planning and programs.
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L to R: Brookhaven Town Historian, Barbara Russell and
Supervisor Ed Romaine
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The commission is co-chaired by the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Commissioner of the Department of Education, or their designees, and includes the New York State Historian.
In her role as Brookhaven Town Historian since 2005, Mrs. Russell, researches, interprets, and advocates local history for the Town. For more information about the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission, go to www.NYSenate.gov.