[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 13, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S10359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE MUSCATINE HISTORY AND INDUSTRY CENTER

 Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate the 
Muscatine History & Industry Center for being selected to participate 
in the rigorous Museum Assessment Program sponsored by the American 
Association of Museums.
  The entire Muscatine community takes great pride in the History and 
Industry Center's success in showcasing the city's past role as ``pearl 
button capital of the world,'' as well as the historic contributions of 
three local enterprises: Bandag, a half-century-old company 
specializing in silver tubes, mesh venting, and tire treads; HNI 
Corporation, the world's second largest manufacturer of office 
furniture and the nation's No. 1 maker of gas- and wood-burning 
fireplaces; and Stanley Consultants, a global provider of engineering, 
environmental, and construction services.
  The Muscatine History and Industry Center is a relatively small 
museum, but it has a very big impact. Not only does it welcome many 
thousands of visitors annually, it reaches out to the community with a 
variety of programs and activities, and hosts daily visits by school 
groups--from prekindergarten through high school. Students and youth 
groups learn by interacting with the Center's artifacts and many hands-
on activities.
  As the center begins participation in the Museum Assessment Program, 
it looks forward to an extended period of self-examination and peer 
review designed to improve its operations and programming, and to 
identify current and future challenges.
  I congratulate the Muscatine History and Industry Center for taking 
this giant step forward in its development as a museum. And I salute 
all the outstanding professionals and volunteers at the center whose 
vision and tireless efforts have made this institution such an 
important part of Muscatine's cultural life.

                          ____________________