[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 109 (Thursday, July 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING 2012 BLUE STAR MUSEUMS: THE FRISCO HERITAGE MUSEUM AND THE 
                       COLLIN COUNTY FARM MUSEUM

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                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2012

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the 
Frisco Heritage Museum in Frisco, Texas and the Collin County Farm 
Museum in McKinney, Texas for participating in the National Endowment 
for the Arts' Blue Star Museums program.
  This program--also supported by Blue Star Families organizations and 
the United States Department of Defense--encourages museums across the 
country to offer free admission to active duty military personnel and 
their families between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Over 1,800 
facilities nationwide participate, and many extend the offer of free 
admission to veterans of our Armed Forces. Two of these great 
institutions are located in Collin County, Texas, the place I'm 
privileged to call home.
  The Frisco Heritage Museum exists to ``collect, preserve, study, 
interpret, exhibit, and stimulate appreciation for the history and 
culture of Frisco, Texas--and the North Texas region--to all the people 
of the region.'' This great museum is situated on a six-acre Heritage 
Center where folks can visit a reproduction of the Frisco Train Depot 
and historic buildings that were moved to the lot. The museum itself 
walks visitors through Frisco's development from a small railroad town 
to the fastest-growing city in America.
  Another museum designated as a Blue Star is the Collin County Farm 
Museum. This great facility, which boasts over 8,500 square feet of 
collections and exhibits, strives to ``develop a better understanding 
and appreciation of Collin County's rural heritage.'' The museum also 
loans out artifacts to popular area attractions, allowing the public to 
enjoy historic equipment such as a Model T Ford and early-model 
tractors.
  I commend both museums for honoring our nation's heroes by opening 
their doors free of charge. After all, it's the men and women of our 
Armed Forces who have defined the American story and who still fight to 
protect the freedoms that allow the United States to be the most 
innovative nation on earth.
  To the staff, supporters, and volunteers of the Frisco Heritage 
Museum and the Collin County Farm Museum, thank you for your first-rate 
efforts. You help make our community great.

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