[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 12, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S7538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   75TH ANNIVERSARY OF JACOB'S PILLOW

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, this month marks the 75th anniversary 
season of Jacob's Pillow. Based in Becket, MA, it is the longest 
running dance festival in the United States. Jacob's Pillow is renowned 
in the dance world for its commitment to excellence and beloved by 
audiences throughout the world for the quality and diversity of its 
programming.
  This prestigious organization is one of the most significant cultural 
groups in Western Massachusetts and it attracts tens of thousands of 
visitors to the beautiful Berkshire Mountains each summer. Cultural 
tourism is the second largest industry in Massachusetts, and cultural 
jewels such as Jacob's Pillow are the anchors of the industry. Year 
after year, surveys demonstrate that arts, culture, and heritage are 
among the top reasons for visiting Massachusetts.
  With its proud heritage, Jacob's Pillow continues to be one of the 
most dynamic centers of dance in our State and across the country. As 
Mikhail Baryshnikov has said, ``Jacob's Pillow is one of America's most 
precious cultural assets--a haven for choreographers and dancers and an 
environment that nurtures the creation of new work.''
  The site was originally a family farm settled with extraordinary 
pioneering spirit in the 1700s, and it became a station on the 
Underground Railroad in the 19th century for slaves escaping to 
freedom.
  In 1933, Jacob's Pillow was established as a dance festival and 
school. Its mission continues today to support dance creation, 
presentation, education, and preservation. Through this work, it 
broadens appreciation and understanding for classical and modern 
dance--and it provides an important opportunity for dancers and 
choreographers to develop their own work and skills.
  In addition to its regular programming, Jacob's Pillow also offers 
over 200 free events each season, including performances, workshops, 
lectures, and discussions with artists. It maintains a preservation 
program with rare archives open to the public, a training program for 
arts administrators, year-round community programs, and a creative 
development residency program.
  Jacob's Pillow also encompasses a professional school training and 
mentoring program for emerging dancers and is recognized throughout the 
globe as a center for arts leadership in the world of dance.
  It is the first and only dance institution in the United States to be 
declared a National Historic Landmark for its important part in our 
country's cultural heritage. It embodies the very best in cultural 
achievement and has enhanced the causes of the many talented artists 
who have performed on its stages and enhanced the lives of countless 
audiences who have enjoyed their exceptional performances.
  As President Kennedy said, ``I am certain that after the dust of 
centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not 
for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our 
contribution to the human spirit.''
  I commend the many dedicated persons who have made Jacob's Pillow 
such a remarkable success over the past 75 years. May this treasure of 
Berkshire County continue to enrich us all in the years ahead.

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