[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 59 (Friday, April 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF IOWA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 26, 2013

  Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids on its 20th birthday 
celebration. It is an honor to have this great institution in my 
district.
  The idea of establishing the African American Museum of Iowa came 
about in 1993 when a small group from Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist 
Church in Cedar Rapids began the project in celebration of Black 
History Month. Twenty years later, this facility has become an Iowa 
landmark that celebrates the rich African American history in my 
district and in the state of Iowa.
  In June of 2008, the African American Museum was devastated by nearly 
six feet of floodwater, resulting in the loss of the Museum's flagship 
exhibit. Through the perseverance of Executive Director Thomas Moore, 
their Board of Directors, their staff, and the support of their 
community, the African American Museum pulled through and reopened only 
seven months after it was closed. The success that this museum has had 
since it reopened in January of 2009 is a true testament to the hard 
work of the Museum's staff and volunteers from across Iowa.
  Today, I congratulate the African American Museum of Iowa on a 
successful 20 years. I look forward to the future of this institution 
as it strives to preserve, exhibit, and teach the African American 
heritage of Iowa.

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