[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 389 Engrossed in House (EH)]


H. Res. 389

                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                      February 8, 2006.
Whereas museums are institutions of public service and education that foster 
        exploration, study, observation, critical thinking, contemplation and 
        dialogue to advance a greater public knowledge, understanding, and 
        appreciation of history, science, the arts, and the natural world;
Whereas Americans, according to survey data, view museums as one of the most 
        important resources for educating our children; and museums have a long-
        standing tradition of inspiring curiosity in our Nation's schoolchildren 
        by devoting more than $1 billion and more than 18 million instructional 
        hours annually for elementary and secondary education programs in 
        communities across America through creative partnerships with schools; 
        and by involving professional development for teachers, bringing 
        traveling exhibits to local schools, digitizing materials for access 
        nationwide, creating electronic and printed educational materials that 
        use local and State curriculum standards; and by and hosting interactive 
        school field trips;
Whereas museums serve as community landmarks that contribute to the livability 
        and economic vitality of communities through expanding tourism; and that 
        museums rank in the top three family vacation destinations; revitalize 
        downtowns, often with signature buildings; attract relocating 
        businesses, by enhancing quality of life; provide shared community 
        experiences and meeting places; and serve as a repository and resource 
        for each community's unique history, culture, achievements, and values;
Whereas the Nation's more than 16,000 museums found in 9 out of every 10 
        counties in the United States receive approximately 865,000,000 visits 
        annually from people of all ages and backgrounds, with attendance being 
        free at more than half of these museums;
Whereas research indicates Americans view museums as one of the most trustworthy 
        sources of objective information and believe that authentic artifacts in 
        history museums and historic sites are second only to their family in 
        significance to creating a strong connection to the past;
Whereas museums enhance the public's ability to engage as citizens, through 
        developing a deeper sense of identity and a broader judgment about the 
        world, and by holding more than 750 million objects and living specimens 
        in the public trust to preserve and protect our cultural and natural 
        heritage for our current and future generations;
Whereas museums are increasingly entering into new partnerships with community 
        educational institutions that include schools, universities, libraries, 
        public broadcasting, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which 
        then, as partners, reach across community boundaries to provide broader 
        impact and synergy for their educational programming;
Whereas supporting the goals and ideals of The Year of the Museum would give 
        Americans the opportunity to celebrate the contributions museums have 
        made to American culture and life over the past 100 years; and
Whereas in 2006, American museums are celebrating 100 years of cooperation as a 
        profession and their collective contribution to our communities: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of The Year of the Museum; and
            (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon 
        the people of the United States to observe such a year with appropriate 
        programs and activities.



            Attest:

                                                                 Clerk.