[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 102 (Monday, July 11, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S4482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    LAS VEGAS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 20th 
anniversary of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. For two decades 
the Las Vegas Natural History Museum has provided children and families 
from all across southern Nevada with the opportunity to learn about 
science and history in an educational setting outside of the classroom. 
It is my great pleasure to honor this fine institution, its employees, 
and the museum's board members before the U.S. Senate today.
  The museum started in 1989 when a group of dedicated citizens 
petitioned the Las Vegas City Council to find a permanent home for a 
collection of wildlife and prehistoric exhibits. In July 1991, the 
museum opened its doors to the people of Las Vegas with a collection of 
loaned wildlife and prehistoric exhibits. Today, the museum has 
acquired a world-class collection of artifacts for their multimillion 
dollar collection. Even the Smithsonian Institution has taken notice of 
our museum. In 2002, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum became an 
affiliate with the Smithsonian Institution, granting them access to the 
Smithsonian's vast collection of exhibits.
  While many museums across the country have struggled with the 
economic downturn, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum continues to 
thrive and grow. Last year, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum 
provided educational tours to 30,000 students in Clark County. All of 
their programs are designed by grade level to meet State educational 
requirements. The museum also provides opportunities for at-risk 
schools to visit the museum free of charge. Their Open Doors Program 
provided scholarships that allowed nearly 20,000 visitors from at-risk 
or economically disadvantaged schools to experience the museum.
  I am proud to join with my fellow Nevadans in recognizing the Las 
Vegas Natural History Museum on reaching this important milestone. For 
20 years, this institution has provided the children of southern Nevada 
with an interactive learning experience, and I have no doubt that the 
museum will continue to be an important part of our community for years 
to come.

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