[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE PRESERVING THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL RECORD (PAHR) 
                                  ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN M. McHUGH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 2009

  Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of the 
Preserving the American Historical Record (PAHR) Act. I appreciate the 
work my friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey), has done to 
develop this important legislation, which would greatly enhance efforts 
to preserve and disseminate our Nation's rich historical records.
  Americans have long recognized the importance of preserving history 
through the support of such institutions as the Library of Congress, 
National Archives, and the Smithsonian Institution. However, efforts to 
preserve records held by State and local historical societies, 
archives, and libraries are currently hindered due to a lack of 
resources necessary to ensure adequate preservation.
  The PAHR Act, which I also cosponsored during the 110th Congress 
(H.R. 6056), would authorize $50 million annually for grants to States, 
local governments, and other entities to preserve these important 
records. In addition to preservation assistance, the PAHR Act will 
enhance safe access to those records for public use. Of note, the Act 
could result in the expanded use of a wide variety of access tools, 
including archival finding aids, documentary editions, indexes and 
images of key records online.
  This measure will also support initiatives to use records in ways 
that highlight the importance of state, territorial, and community 
history. For instance, in New York's 23rd Congressional District, which 
I am proud to represent, there are some 300 non-profit organizations 
and more than 650 local governments that hold numerous records 
documenting both the people and history of central and northern New 
York. A few examples of these records include:
  The Adirondack Museum Library has the largest collection documenting 
that unique region, with records ranging from architectural drawings of 
``Great Camps,'' catalogs for J.H. Rushton canoes, early maps of the 
Adirondack Park, and recordings of Adirondack folk musicians.
  The Essex County Historical Society holds records from Republic Steel 
that document not only the mining industry but the employment of 
hundreds of miners from Peru who lived and worked in Port Henry, New 
York in the 1920s.
  The Lewis County Historical Society is home to the papers of Dr. 
Franklin Hough, the father of American forestry.
  The Sackets Harbor Battlefield Historic Site Library houses 
manuscripts, documents, maps, archeological reports, and records 
related to the Sackets Harbor Battlefield, the War of 1812, and the 
Sackets Harbor Naval Station.
  St. Lawrence University retains manuscripts which document the 
economic, social, political, religious, and cultural activities of 
Adirondack communities; environmental issues; the Lake Placid Winter 
Olympics; and the development of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
  These are just a few citations outlining the wealth of historical 
records that could benefit through the enactment of the PAHR. Many 
other worthy examples exist throughout the nation. Accordingly, I look 
forward to working with the gentleman from New York to enact this 
legislation and thereby preserve additional aspects of America's rich 
history.

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