Timeline Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County origins come from a series of unique partnerships with Cornell University and state, local and federal government with strong advocacy from families and businesses in agriculture. In the early days, CCE, then known as Farm Bureau, helped farmers address the major agricultural concerns of the day. With the adoption of the Morrill Land Grant Act signed by President Abraham Lincoln, Cornell University was founded in 1865 as New York State’s land grant university.
1913 The New York State legislature passed the first act supporting Cooperative Extension work with a financial appropriation to help support county associations, which were and still are, unique to New York State. The act provided funding and designated the responsibility for Supervising Cooperative Extension programs to Cornell University, later in conjunction with local volunteer boards of directors and committees. 1914 The United States Congress passed the Smith Lever Act, supporting the Cooperative Extension in each state to extend teaching and research to the people in their home communities. Through the Sullivan County Farm Bureau, Cooperative Extension programming began in Sullivan County.
1938 The first 4-H Agent started. 1951 The local partnership was strengthened by County Law, 224 which officially establishes an extension in each county of the state and designates county funds to support local extension associations. It further gives decision-making responsibilities to a board of directors and overall supervision and direction of extension programming to Cornell University.
1955 The Farm Bureau and the County Extension Service Association became separate entities. Farm Bureau was more involved in state and national legislative concerns. Extension Service, as a public supported organization, could not directly influence legislation. The New York State Legislature enacted legislation, changing the name of the county organization to County Extension Service Association. 1987 With the support of the Sullivan County Board of Supervisors, the CCE Board of Directors and many contributions from the community, the Gerald J. Skoda Education Center opened in Liberty. 2014 The Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County celebrates 100 years of continuous education programming in Sullivan County.
1915 One Agricultural Agent began disseminating Cornell research information to Sullivan County farms. 1917 A Home Economist was added. 2014
CORNELL UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION 100TH ANNIVERSARY 9