[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 104 (Friday, July 26, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. Santorum, Mr. Sarbaness, Mr. 
        Edwards, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Smith of 
        Oregon, and Mrs. Clinton):
  S. 2804. A bill to amend the National Maritime Heritage Act of 1994 
to reaffirm and revise the designation of America's National Maritime 
Museum, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am pleased to be introducing America's 
National Maritime Museums Act of 2002. This legislation would designate 
an additional 19 maritime museums as ``American National Maritime 
Museums'' nationwide. Maritime Museums are dedicated to advancing 
maritime and nautical science by fostering the exchange of maritime 
information and experience and by promoting advances in nautical 
education.
  The America National Maritime Museum designation would include a 
commitment on the part of each institution toward accomplishing a 
coordinated education initiative, resources management program, 
awareness campaign, and heritage grants program. Maritime museums in 
America will be dedicated to illuminating humankind's experience with 
the sea and the events that shaped the course and progress of 
civilization.
  Museum collections are composed of hundreds of thousands of maritime 
items, including ship models, scrimshaw, maritime paintings, decorative 
arts, intricately carved figureheads, working steam engines, and much 
more. Maritime museums offer a variety of learning experiences for 
children and adults through hands-on workshops and programs that focus 
on maritime history.
  Maritime lecture series presentations offer an opportunity to learn 
about the history and lore of the sea from some of the nation's leading 
maritime experts. Visitors learn the broad concept of sea power, the 
historic and modern importance of the sea in matters commercial, 
military, economic, political, artistic, and social.
  The legislation that I am proposing would help museums better 
interpret maritime and social history to the public using their 
extensive collections of artifacts, exhibits and expertise. These 
programs and facilities are used by schools, civic organizations, 
genealogists, maritime scholars, and the visiting public, thus, serving 
students of all ages.
  I urge all members of the Senate to join me in support of the 
America's National Maritime Museums Act of 2002.
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