[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 3 (Monday, January 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E23-E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING BRAD BELK'S 25 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 14, 2013

  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brad Belk on his 25 
years of service to the Joplin Museum Complex.
  Brad has made it his mission to promote the local history of Joplin 
through numerous positions including author, educator, archivist, 
historian, exhibit designer, conservator, tour guide, historian film 
script writer, director, and film producer.
  Brad has collaborated with the design and planning of several off-
site permanent exhibits for the Joplin Museum Complex. He has also 
renovated many of the exhibit areas including the museum's mineral wing 
and assisted with the historical restoration of the Ralph L. Gray 
Alumni Center. Throughout the years Brad has given thousands of 
historical tours, lectures and presentations. He has also overseen the 
addition of ten major collections to the museum containing over 100,000 
artifacts.
  In addition, Brad has made large contributions to the historical 
literature of the region writing five books and co-authoring two 
others. He also has penned numerous articles on the region and directed 
or appeared in thirteen historical videos--several of which have 
received awards. He recently wrote and directed a 30-minute video 
covering the history of Missouri Southern State University, MSSU.
  Alongside his work at the museum, Brad currently serves on the MSSU 
Alumni board of directors and is currently completing the 75th 
anniversary book for Missouri Southern.
  Over the years, Brad has served on the Missouri History Speakers' 
Bureau, as Co-Chairman of the City of Joplin's 125th Celebration, and 
as a board member of the Route 66 Association of Missouri. He was also 
a member of the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation, and the 
Joplin Elk's Elkland Advisory Committee.
  In 2006, Brad was honored with the Missouri Governor's Missouri 
Humanities Award.
  Mr. Speaker, Brad's contributions to the city of Joplin and the state 
of Missouri are far-reaching, and it is an honor to recognize him.

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