[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 116 (Tuesday, September 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        VALUE OF ESTABLISHING THE SWISS CENTER OF NORTH AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2000

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, our nation was built on the dreams of 
immigrants who came here to create a better life for themselves and 
their families. The ethnic diversity of the American patchwork quilt 
makes this nation strong and has helped our nation become the envy of 
much of the world.
  I am proud to be from a state whose ethnic heritage can be seen in 
our faces, our foods and families. Wisconsin is a state made up of 
settlers who came from the far corners of the world to build their 
businesses, raise their families and stake their claims for a piece of 
the American Dream.
  There is an exciting new project underway in my congressional 
district that has national and international implications. The Swiss 
Center of North America is proposed to be located in New Glarus, 
Wisconsin. This new center will facilitate historical research, 
cultural exchanges and business partnerships extending beyond the 
beautiful rolling countryside of America's Dairyland.
  Like many ethnic groups, the Swiss came to North America in large 
numbers in the 19th Century, settling in each state of this Union and 
every province of Canada. They brought their traditions, culture, 
languages, foods and a rich heritage that have made a lasting impact 
throughout this continent. The Swiss government helped these new 
immigrants by setting up colonies for their countrymen and women on 
this side of the Atlantic to ease the transition into the New World.
  One such colony remains largely intact, located in New Glarus, 
Wisconsin. This community, which I am honored to represent in Congress, 
continues to celebrate its Swiss heritage, attracting Swiss immigrants 
and welcome visitors from around the world.
  Many in North America are not aware of the accomplishments of their 
Swiss-American neighbors. The Swiss have brought a multi-cultural 
background encompassing elements from German, French, Italian and Roman 
heritages. Many thing of Switzerland as a land of Alpine meadows, 
decorated cowbells and colorful window boxes. Yet this fails to fully 
recognize the very modern, multilingual and multi-cultural aspects of 
this small, yet diverse, nation.
  Those of Swiss descent in North America are very proud of their 
heritage, as Switzerland has made many important contributions to the 
world. Yet, unlike many other nationalities, there is
  The Swiss Center of North America aims to be a state-of-the-art 
facility located in New Glarus, Wisconsin. It will highlight the 
contributions of the Swiss of yesterday, today and tomorrow. With 
historical exhibits, modern interactive displays, genealogical research 
facilities and premiere meeting space, the Swiss Center will help 
spread the word that Swiss living in the United States, Canada and 
Mexico continue to offer much to the North American melting pot. The 
State of Wisconsin has already committed $2 million to this project and 
an international fund-raising drive is now well underway.
  I support the Swiss Center of North America not just because it will 
be located in my district. I support it because those of Swiss heritage 
need a place to house their artifacts and tell their story. This is a 
valuable project, in part, because learning more about where we come 
from helps guide us to where we are going. The more future generations 
learn about this nation, the more they understand about our rich 
diversity. The Swiss Center of North America will help foster a better 
understanding between cultures and will offer us the promise of a 
broader appreciation of the heritage of our international ancestors.

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