[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 145 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SAGINAW COUNTY AND CASTLE MUSEUM

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2009

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Historical 
Society of Saginaw County for being selected by the American 
Association of Museums for participation in the Museum Assessment 
Program. The Historical Society of Saginaw County operates Castle 
Museum in downtown Saginaw. The Society is holding its annual 
Membership Lumberjack Brunch and Open House on October 18th at the 
Museum.
  The American Association of Museums conducts the Museum Assessment 
Program to help museums identify challenges and develop strategies to 
address them. The program also helps museums to ensure high standards 
in collections care, governance, institutional planning and effective 
community engagement. Over 3500 museums have benefited from this 
program.
  The Historical Society of Saginaw County was founded in 1938 and 
incorporated in 1964. The Society has operated Castle Museum since 1992 
and is committed to telling the continuing story of the people of the 
Saginaw region. The Castle Building was constructed in 1898 in the 
French chateau style. At that time the Federal government decided all 
Federal buildings were to be built to reflect the historic legacy of 
the community and Architect William Aitken decided to design the 
building to reflect the early French traders that settled in the 
region. Originally utilized as a Post Office, the Castle Building is 
listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the 
cornerstone of the Historical Society's dedication to preserve 
Saginaw's heritage for future generations.
  Today, the Castle Building serves as the Castle Museum and houses 
over 100,000 archeological and historical artifacts from the region. 
Traveling and long-term exhibits are displayed in the facility. The 
Historical Society of Saginaw County has utilized the building to 
showcase their educational programs, film presentations, and community 
tours. They also offer research services, an oral history recording 
program and a living history program at the Museum. Currently, the 
Historical Society is retrofitting a van to take the museum's programs 
to elementary schools and they are planning to launch this project in 
early 2010.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Board President, 
Margaret E. Clark, the Board members, staff, volunteers, and Society 
members as they are honored by the American Association of Museums and 
wish them continued success in preserving our history for many, many 
years to come.

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