A ceremonial document is a proclamation, letter, or certificate designed to congratulate, honor, or recognize a resident or organization.
Criteria for Ceremonial Documents:
Ceremonial documents are exclusively reserved for individuals, places, or events that contribute significantly to the City of Jamestown.
Ceremonial Documents will not be issued if:
- The request promotes campaigns, events, or ideological and political beliefs that contradict the policies or laws of the City of Jamestown.
- The request is for commercial or for-profit purposes.
- The request conflicts with federally recognized months, weeks, or days of observance.
- The request takes a stance on international disputes or expresses subjective ideological statements.
- The request pertains to an event that is anticipated but not yet confirmed.
- The request is made on behalf of individuals or groups with no proven affiliation to the requester.
- The request seeks to replace a damaged or missing document from a previous administration.
- The request is related to marital anniversaries.
Proclamations:
A proclamation is an official document issued on special stationery for the following occasions:
- Civic Celebrations
- Fund-Raisers benefiting the Citizens of Jamestown
- Organizations and Individuals who have made a significant contribution to society
- Retirements
- Significant Birthdays (starting at 50th Birthdays and subsequent years)
- Significant Clergy & House of Worship Anniversaries (5 years, 10 years, 15 years, etc.)
- Significant Events or Anniversaries of major Jamestown-based Institutions & Companies
Typically, a proclamation ranges from 250 to 300 words in length. Proclamation titles generally exclude nicknames.
Letter of Welcome:
A letter of welcome is a document provided by the City of Jamestown. Once complete, it will be emailed or mailed to you. You may request a letter of welcome for the following occasions:
- Conferences
- Conventions
- Seminars
- Class Reunions for schools and institutions located in Jamestown, or for reunions held in Jamestown
- Family Reunions (please note: we do not provide welcome bags or gifts)
Required Information: You should provide the title or reason for your event, the date, a brief history of the organization or information about the person, and any other pertinent information you feel is significant. Proclamation titles typically exclude nicknames.
Letter of Congratulation or Celebration:
A letter of congratulation or celebration is a document on City of Jamestown letterhead. Once complete, it will be mailed or emailed to you. You may request a letter of congratulation or celebration for the following occasions:
- Professional Celebrations
- Significant Birthdays or Anniversaries
- Eagle Scout Award
- Girl Scout Gold Award
- Grand Openings
- Book Releases
Required Information: You should provide the title or reason for your event, the date, a brief history of the organization or information about the person, and any other pertinent information you feel is significant.
Certificate:
A certificate is a document on special stationery issued for the following reasons:
- Appreciation: Outstanding contributions to the City & Citizens of Jamestown
- Heroism
- Congratulatory: Graduation, Accomplishment/Achievements
Required Information: To request a certificate, please provide a brief summary about the individual to be honored and their accomplishments. Include highlights of their involvement in the community, the date of recognition, and type of event planned.
The Mayor’s Office reserves the right to decline any proclamation/certificate request, as well as the right to make exceptions to any established guidelines.
Please send all requests to:
Office of the Mayor
Municipal Building
200 East Third Street – 4th Floor
Jamestown, NY 14701
📞Phone: (716) 483-7600
✉️Email: mayor@jamestownny.gov
