III 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 546 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 28 (legislative day, May 26), 2010 Mr. Specter (for himself, Mr. Casey, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Menendez, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Wyden, Mr. LeMieux, and Mr. Lautenberg) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration July 22, 2010 Committee discharged; considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the National Museum of American Jewish History, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, as the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to exploring and preserving the American Jewish experience.

Whereas the National Museum of American Jewish History serves to illustrate how the freedom present in the United States and its associated choices, challenges, and responsibilities fostered an environment in which Jewish Americans have made and continue to make extraordinary contributions in all facets of American life; Whereas the mission of the National Museum of American Jewish History, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is to connect Jewish people more closely to their heritage and to inspire in individuals of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American experience and the freedoms to which all Americans aspire; Whereas the National Museum of American Jewish History was founded in 1976 by members of the historic Congregation Mikveh Israel, which was itself established in 1740 and known as the Synagogue of the American Revolution; Whereas the National Museum of American Jewish History has attracted a broad audience to its public programs, which explore American Jewish identity through lectures, panel discussions, authors’ talks, films, activities for children, theater, and music; Whereas the National Museum of American Jewish History is the repository of the largest collection of Jewish Americana in the world, with more than 25,000 objects; and Whereas the National Museum of American Jewish History will soon be relocated to a 100,000-square-foot, 5-story, state-of-the-art facility on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, standing just steps from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, which shall serve as a cornerstone of the American Jewish community and a source of national pride: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)acknowledges the importance of the continuing study and preservation of the unique American Jewish experience; and (2)recognizes the National Museum of American Jewish History, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, as the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to exploring and preserving the American Jewish experience and, as such, designates it as the national museum of American Jewish history.