[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 102 (Thursday, July 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1445-E1446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCTION OF THE LOWER EAST SIDE TENEMENT MUSEUM BILL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 1997

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, today I introduced a bill 
that would designate the Lower East Side Tenement Museum an affiliate 
of the National Park Service, The Tenement Museum is located at 97 
Orchard Street in Manhattan's Lower East Side, the heart of America's 
immigrant tradition. This building was erected in 1863 and, over the 
course of 69 years, served as the first American home for thousands of 
immigrants from around the world.
  Much of America's immigrant history begins in New York. The museum on 
Ellis Island explains how families from around the world

[[Page E1446]]

journeyed to and arrived in the United States. While many newcomers set 
out to settle our Nation's rural frontiers, many more became urban 
pioneers--men, women and children who settled in the city. For this 
reason the next chapter of the immigrant tale, their lives in America, 
deserves closer exploration and recognition. Thus, in seeking a home 
for this story, the Museum sought the quintessential expression of 
urban, immigrant life--the tenement.
  The Lower East Side Tenement Museum bill recognizes the museum's 
efforts to preserve, maintain, and interpret the themes of early 
tenement life, the housing reform movement, and tenement architecture 
in the United States. Affiliate status would allow this private 
nonprofit museum to fully participate in the programs and activities of 
the National Park Service while complimenting the Park Services trinity 
of Ellis Island, Clinton Castle, and the Statute of Liberty at not cost 
to American taxpayers.
  My colleagues, this legislation enjoys wide bipartisan support among 
the New York State delegation and is supported by the city and State of 
New York, as well as civic leaders, small business owners, organized 
labor, the Wall Street community, and the National Park. I urge all of 
you to support this national treasure.

                          ____________________