[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 8, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 2010

  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor and commemorate the National Museum of American Jewish History.
  Originally established in 1976, the National Museum of American 
Jewish History is the only museum in our great Nation which has devoted 
itself fully to the preservation and exploration of the American Jewish 
experience. This important museum was founded by the Congregation 
Mikveh Israel, one of the oldest synagogues in the United States. 
Established in 1740 as the ``Synagogue of the American Revolution,'' 
the Congregation Mikveh Israel stands for values and ideals which all 
Americans share.
  The National Museum of American Jewish History is a vibrant component 
in the cultural life of Philadelphia. Through its lectures, panel 
discussions, authors' talks, films, children's activities, theater, and 
music, this museum educates us all about the rich cultural heritage of 
Judaism in America. It has an impressive record of preservation, 
conservation and collections management and is the largest repository 
of Jewish Americana in the world, with more than 25,000 objects.
  Honoring and remembering the American Jewish experience is crucial to 
a deeper understanding of our values as Americans. Located at the 
birthplace of American liberty, this institution represents our 
freedoms, the same freedoms that have made it possible for Jewish 
Americans to flourish.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to offer my ongoing support for the 
National Museum of American Jewish History and for its project of 
preserving the material culture of Jewish Americans. It is my belief 
that we must recognize the great efforts of this institution to educate 
Americans about this important piece of our shared history.

                          ____________________