[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 88 (Monday, June 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E916-E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE MOUNT WASHINGTON OBSERVATORY ON THE OPENING OF THE 
                    EXTREME MOUNT WASHINGTON MUSEUM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANN M. KUSTER

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2014

  Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize New Hampshire's 
Mount Washington Observatory and its new Extreme Mount Washington 
Museum. The Mount Washington Observatory first established the 
observation center on the summit of Mount Washington in 1870 and 
operated there until 1892. This effort marked the first time a 
scientific observation center was located on the summit of a mountain. 
The observatory was re-opened in 1932 when a group of enthusiastic 
individuals recognized the value of collecting scientific data at the 
summit. This reemergence came just in time, because in

[[Page E917]]

1934, the highest wind speed ever observed by man was recorded at 231 
miles per hour at the summit of Mount Washington. Given the breadth and 
importance of the data and observations, the Mount Washington 
Observatory opened its mountaintop museum in 1973 to provide 
educational opportunities to the public.
   Over the past four decades, the Observatory's mountaintop museum has 
established itself as a world-class resource for science education. 
Each year, more than 100,000 visitors come to the museum to get a taste 
of the world's worst weather. Starting this summer, visitors will 
benefit from an enhanced experience at the state's most visited museum 
with the development of the Observatory's aptly named Extreme Mount 
Washington experience. This project, which will be officially unveiled 
this month, represents the largest and most significant undertaking by 
the Observatory in decades.
   Today, I recognize this major accomplishment by the Mount Washington 
Observatory and share in their excitement as they reopen the museum for 
Extreme Mount Washington. Extreme Mount Washington is an interactive, 
hands-on experience that will provide visitors with an unparalleled 
window into Mount Washington's extreme conditions.
   In keeping with New Hampshire tradition, this significant project 
was made possible through the collaborative efforts and generosity of 
over 400 individuals and organizations, and I commend them for their 
support. Moreover, the Gladys Brooks Foundation, Putnam Foundation, 
Public Service of New Hampshire and Northeast Utilities Foundation, 
Jane's Trust, and the Neil & Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire 
Charitable Foundation all deserve special recognition for their 
significant contributions to the project.
   As a lifelong resident of the Granite State, Mount Washington 
represents the playground of the North Country that was a critical part 
of my formative years. Even now, a painting of Mount Washington hangs 
in my Washington office, providing a taste of New Hampshire for all who 
visit me in our nation's capital. I am thrilled that the Extreme Mount 
Washington experience will make this larger-than-life symbol more 
accessible to all who visit our state.

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