Long before his presidency, Carter and his wife Rosalynn lived in Rotterdam while he served in the U.S. Navy and attended Union College. The Carter Monument, located at the site where they lived, commemorates this unique chapter of his life. Assemblyman Santabarbara played a key role in the restoration of the monument last year, ensuring the preservation of this historical site that connects President Carter to the community.

On Thursday, January 9th at 4:30pm, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara will host a candlelight vigil at the recently restored Carter Monument in Rotterdam to honor the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 and will be laid to rest earlier the same day. The event will celebrate President Carter’s remarkable journey as the 39th President of the United States and his profound connection to Rotterdam, where he lived during his service in the U.S. Navy.

During his presidency (1977–1981), Carter championed human rights, brokered the historic Camp David Accords, and established the Department of Energy and the Department of Education. His post- presidency years were marked by tireless humanitarian efforts, including his leadership with Habitat for Humanity, which built homes for those in need worldwide.

Event Details:

What: Candlelight Vigil Honoring President Jimmy Carter

When: Thursday, January 9th at 4:30 PM

Where: Carter Monument, Maple Pine Manor, 325 Duanesburg Road, Rotterdam, NY

This solemn occasion offers the community an opportunity to reflect on President Carter’s extraordinary legacy of leadership, service, and humanitarian contributions, as well as his time as a local resident of Rotterdam—a period that shaped his values of hard work and public service.