[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 19, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S12847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ON THE DEDICATION OF THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN/SAINT ALBANS HISTORICAL DIORAMA

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
completion of the Lake Champlain/Saint Albans Historical Diorama.
  This interactive educational exhibit at the Saint Albans Historical 
Museum is ambitious in its geographic and historic scope. It spans the 
entire Champlain Valley, from Fort Ticonderoga to the Richelieu River 
and also spans time, from pre-history to the present.
  The people of Saint Albans have a tremendous understanding and 
respect for their history, as seen by the fact that this exhibit was 
funded entirely through local contributions and completed in just over 
a year, with most of the work done by residents of Saint Albans and 
neighboring towns. It is a beautiful addition to one of Vermont's 
finest historical museums.
  The Champlain Valley is the birthplace of the United States and 
Canada. For two hundred years the Champlain Valley was the stage for 
conflicts between the French and the English, and then for the most 
critical campaign of the Revolutionary War. In times of peace, the 
Champlain Valley has been an important corridor of commerce. Important 
sites from this history are displayed and interpreted in the Diorama, 
including wonderful scale models of the region's lighthouses.
  The Diorama also depicts the local history of Saint Albans, 
displaying her historic structures, rail yards and neighborhoods in 
great detail. These events and places are brought to life in three 
dimensions, engaging and educating the viewer as is possible with no 
other medium.
  Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the Saint 
Albans Historical Society and all of the others who have helped to 
create the diorama. This is a significant contribution to the heritage 
of Vermont.

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