[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 185 (Monday, December 5, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8178-S8179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO PEGGY BULGER

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, Dr. Peggy A. Bulger will retire at the end 
of December after more than 12 years of service to the Library of 
Congress. As the Director of the Library's American Folklife Center, 
Dr. Bulger has worked to preserve our Nation's history for future 
generations.
  Dr. Bulger began her service as Director of the American Folklife 
Center in 1999. She is the second person to hold the position since the 
Folklife

[[Page S8179]]

Center was established in 1976. The American Folklife Preservation Act 
states ``that the diversity inherent in American folklife has 
contributed greatly to the cultural richness of the Nation and has 
fostered a sense of individuality and identity among the American 
people.'' I couldn't agree more. Dr. Bulger has worked to preserve the 
unique nature of American folklife for future generations.
  During her tenure, the center's archive has tripled. With more than 5 
million items, it is the largest ethnographic archive in the United 
States and possibly the largest in the world. The collection is a 
treasure trove of American creativity that is reflected through music, 
stories, crafts, dances, foodways, and other forms of traditional 
expression.
  I am particularly proud that under her leadership the Folklife Center 
developed and expanded the Veterans History Project. The project 
contains more than 78,000 pieces of war-time memories and experiences 
from Americans across our country. The Veterans History Project has 
become the largest oral history project in our Nation's history, and it 
will all be preserved for generations at the Library of Congress.
  The Folklife Center also uses the latest technology to share its 
holdings via online presentations, as well as through webcasts and 
social media. As a result, students in Nevada and other States can 
access the Folklife Center's collections from their homes, classrooms, 
and others venues.
  It is also important to note that Dr. Bulger and her colleagues have 
provided advice and support to struggling cultural programs during 
these difficult economic times. In my home State, for example, the 
center has served the Western Folklife Center in Elko as well as the 
Nevada Humanities. The assistance to Nevada's arts and cultural 
organizations has been invaluable as my State has weathered the 
economic recession.
  I am proud to recognize Peggy Bulger, and I appreciate her important 
contributions to the American Folklife Center. I know I speak for the 
Senate when we wish you the best in your future endeavors.

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