[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 137 (Monday, September 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO UNITED STATES CAPITOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2007

  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the United 
States Capitol Historical Society, which is celebrating 45 years of 
History and Service to the United States Capitol.
  Congressman Fred Schwengel, Senator Hubert Humphrey, and a group of 
fifteen other Members of Congress, historians and civic and business 
leaders organized the United States Capitol Historical Society on July 
17, 1962. Forty-five years later, the USCHS continues to fulfill its 
mission by teaching the public about the founding, growth and 
significance of the Capitol of the United States as a tangible symbol 
of its representative form of government.
  Convinced that an understanding of history was inextricably linked 
with responsible citizenship, the founders of the United States Capitol 
Historical Society adopted a mission statement committing the 
nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational organization o the role of 
``history teacher to the nation.''
  More than forty-five years after its founding, the Society continues 
to develop new and creative ways to bring the fascinating story of the 
Capitol to the public's attention. Among its tools are educational 
tours, scholarly symposia, observances of historic events, enhancement 
and preservation of the Capitol's collection of art and artifacts, 
sponsorship of research, the sale of publications and mementos of an 
historical nature, and assistance to Congressional and other Capitol 
offices.
  The recent partnership of the USCHS with the National Archives and 
Old Town Trolley is particularly innovative. The Society has committed 
to working toward seeing every eighth grade student in the Washington, 
DC public schools tour ``monumental'' Washington to learn about the 
U.S. Constitution. This educational tour's sole purpose is to help 
students understand their place in American history and their role in 
the process of government.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a great 
organization dedicated to preserving the history of the most 
recognizable symbol of representative government in the world, the 
United States Capitol.




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