[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 78 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1068]]
                       TRIBUTE TO CHARLES HILGER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2003

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Hilger, a 
talented artist and dedicated historian, upon the occasion of his 
retirement as the Director of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History 
(MAH). For twenty years, Mr. Hilger has dedicated his time and energy 
into building a museum that has become a significant cultural anchor 
for the Santa Cruz community as well as a quality destination for 
tourists and visitors. Mr. Hilger's expertise and enthusiasm will be 
missed by associates and visitors alike.
  Mr. Hilger's participation in the art world has stretched to nearly 
all facets of the Santa Cruz community. Mr. Hilger's passion for art 
was evident when he was honored as the 1989 Santa Cruz ``Artist of the 
Year.'' Over the past twenty years, Mr. Hilger transformed a small 
exhibit of art featured at the public library into the museum we enjoy 
today, now located at the McPherson Center. He personally recruited a 
highly professional staff and a dedicated team of docents and 
volunteers to aid him in managing over 150 installations, representing 
many diverse expressions of artists from around the world. Despite 
earthquakes, economic hardships and various other calamities, Mr. 
Hilger never lost sight of his goal to provide an institution that 
could educate many generations about the beauty and mystery in the 
world of art.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to 
honor the accomplishments of Charles Hilger and express sincere 
gratitude for his commitment to the community. I wish Mr. Hilger and 
his family well as he enjoys his much-deserved retirement.

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