[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 85 (Thursday, May 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1021-E1022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MACKINAC ISLAND STATE PARK 
        COMMISSION'S HISTORICAL PRESERVATION AND MUSEUM PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Con. Res. 325, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac 
Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum 
Program. This program is of special importance to the people of my 
state as it has preserved Mackinac's valuable history for generations 
to come.
  From Mackinac's roots as an American Revolutionary War post, a 
battleground during the War of 1812, and a Civil War prison, Mackinac 
has been an important site in shaping American history. It was the 
Historical Preservation and Museum Program which restored the 
remarkable treasure of Fort Mackinac and opened its doors to eager and 
interested tourists in 1958. Now for 50 years, visitors have been able 
to step back in time and experience the setting of the old Northwest 
and frontier.
  In addition to the undeniable preservation undertaken by the Mackinac 
Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum 
Program, I value the strong impact the program provides the tourism 
economy of Michigan. Mackinac is a tourist destination because of its 
beautiful scenery and captivating history, and has welcomed more than 
10 million visitors to the Mackinac State Historic Parks since 1958.
  The people of Michigan are blessed to continue to share stories from 
our state that shaped the nation. We recognize the vital role the 
Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and 
Museum Program has played in preserving our noteworthy history and 
conveying it in such an exciting way. The Commission's restoration and 
reopening of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in 2004, which further added 
to the rich traditions enjoyed on Michigan's waterways, is another 
example of history coming alive.
  For these reasons and more the Mackinac Island State Park 
Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program deserves 
recognition for 50 years of preserving Michigan history while working 
to make history accessible and engaging.

[[Page E1022]]

  I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this legislation.

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