[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 82 (Thursday, May 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E863-E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING MS. AUDREY R. JOHNSON-THORNTON

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 29, 2014

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 
accomplishments of my

[[Page E864]]

friend, Ms. Audrey R. Johnson-Thornton. Ms. Johnson-Thornton is the 
president and founder of the American Women's Heritage Society, and was 
instrumental in turning the broken down Belmont Mansion into a museum 
to honor those who aided slaves in their flight to freedom.
  The Belmont Mansion was named as the most significant structure to be 
at risk in an assessment of ten historic structures in Fairmount Park 
in Philadelphia. This finding was followed by a historical study and 
architectural analysis of the Belmont Mansion Historical Structures 
Report and then became the first major project of the Fairmount Park 
Historic Preservation Trust in 1994. The Underground Railroad Museum at 
Belmont Mansion is one of the first 2,000 recipients to receive funding 
from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and its partner the 
American Association for State and Local History. The American Women's 
Heritage Society still operates the now restored mansion as a historic 
site. Ms. Johnson-Thornton will be honored by the Marian Anderson 
Historical Society on May 31, 2014.
  It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and 
commitment to preserving our city's history has enriched the lives of 
countless individuals. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues 
to join me in commending Ms. Johnson-Thornton for her lifetime of 
service and dedication to Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

                          ____________________