[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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                          HON. NORMAN D. DICKS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2012

  Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the United 
States Capitol Historical Society, which is celebrating 50 years of 
history and service to the United States Capitol.
  Congressman Fred Schwengel, Senator Hubert Humphrey, and a group of 
15 other Members of Congress, historians, and civic and business 
leaders organized the United States Capitol Historical Society on July 
17, 1962. Fifty years later, the USCHS continues to fulfill its mission 
by teaching the public about the founding, growth and significance of 
the Capitol of the United States as a tangible symbol of its 
representative form of government.
  Convinced that an understanding of history was inextricably linked 
with responsible citizenship, the founders of the United States Capitol 
Historical Society adopted a mission statement committing the 
nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational organization to the role of 
``history teacher to the nation.''
  More than 50 years after its founding, the Society continues to 
develop new and creative ways to bring the fascinating story of the 
Capitol to the public's attention. Among its tools are educational 
tours, scholarly symposia, observances of historic events, enhancement 
and preservation of the Capitol's collection of art and artifacts, 
sponsorship of research, the sale of publications and mementos of an 
historical nature, and assistance to Congressional and other Capitol 
offices.
  The partnership of the USCHS with the National Archives and Old Town 
Trolley in the We the People Constitution program is particularly 
innovative. The Society has committed to working toward seeing every 
eighth grade student in the Washington, DC public schools tour 
``monumental'' Washington to learn about the U.S. Constitution. This 
educational tour's sole purpose is to help students understand their 
place in American history and their role in the process of government.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a great 
organization dedicated to preserving the history of the most 
recognizable symbol of representative government in the world, the 
United States Capitol.

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