[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  STERNBERG MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 1999

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 
dedication of Dr. Edward H. Hammond on the occasion of the opening to 
the new Sternberg Museum of Natural History on the Fort Hays State 
University Campus in Hays, Kansas.
  In the early 1990's, Fort Hays State University President Edward H. 
Hammond made the commitment to raise the funds necessary to move the 
impressive Sternberg fossil collection to an equally impressive 
facility. After eight years and $11 million dollars, his vision has 
been realized. The collection's new home is a state of the art 100,000 
square foot dome and adjoining facility which will not only house the 
artifacts but provide a realistic journey through the world of 
prehistoric flora and fauna.
  The Sternberg Collection has long been one of the premier collections 
of fossils in the world. It holds the largest collection of fossil 
grasses; it has the third largest collection of flying reptiles, and 
it's mammal collection ranks in the top 20 in North America. The 
Collection's volume of more than 3,750,000 artifacts and specimens 
ranks it the world's largest at a small university.
  Dr. George M. Sternberg, an army surgeon began the collection in 
1866. His sons developed a love for fossil hunting, and his son George 
F. eventually established his paleontology headquarters in 1927 at 
Kansas State Teachers College of Hays, now Fort Hays State University. 
George was made Curator of Geology and Paleontology and continued to 
manage and add to the Sternbery Collection until his retirement in 
1961. In 1994, the Sternberg Collection was combined with the Museum of 
the High Plains under one director, Dr. Jerry Choate.
  The completion of this project marks a major achievement for Fort 
Hays State University and the community of Hays. The new facility 
promises to draw scholars and curious travelers from around the globe 
and provide them with an exciting experience in prehistoric times. I 
commend University President Edward H. Hammond and Museum Director Dr. 
Jerry Choate for their creativity and tenacity in envisioning and 
completing this project. It is truly a landmark accomplishment.

                          ____________________