109 HRES 389 IH: Supporting the goals and ideals of The Year of the Museum. U.S. House of Representatives 2005-07-26 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 109th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 389 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 26, 2005 Ms. Slaughter (for herself and Mr. Shays) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of The Year of the Museum.

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

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.