[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E500-E501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE RONALD A. SARASIN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 18, 2018

  Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Honorable Ronald A 
Sarasin on the occasion of his retirement as President and CEO of the 
U.S. Capitol Historical Society. Since January 3, 2000, Ron has 
directed the Society as it has communicated the rich heritage of 
Congress and the U.S. Capitol to a wide, diverse audience. School 
children, scholars, historians, artists, people from all walks of life, 
and even Members of Congress have learned more about this great 
institution because of programs offered by the Society.
  Under Ron's leadership, classroom programs, symposia and lectures, 
awards and outreach, and recognition of the history of Congressional 
committees has flourished. The Society has brought elementary and 
secondary students to the Capitol for tours and visits to our offices. 
It has sponsored symposia where scholars have shared their research and 
insights. It has taught about Constantino Brumidi and his beautiful 
artwork. At a recent Society event, guests were invited to climb the 
temporary stairs and walk on the scaffolding to view the restoration of 
the ceiling of the Brumidi Corridors at eye level.
  During Ron's tenure, the Society has dedicated over $100,000 to fund 
fellowships for historians, political scientists, artists, and scholars 
of other disciplines. The Society even became a publisher, producing 12 
books on Congress.
  Ron has been a great ambassador for Congress. He has led countless 
numbers of students, visiting dignitaries, business executives, 
international guests, and Society members on tours of this great 
building. As a former Representative from Connecticut, Ron knows our 
institution well and has been generous in sharing his insights.
  As Members of Congress, we too have been enriched by the Society. As 
guests to the annual presentation of the Freedom Award over the years 
we have met American icons such as filmmaker Ken Burns, historian David 
McCullough and writer, director and star of ``Hamilton,'' Lin-Manuel 
Miranda. We have been honored by Society dinners celebrating the 
history of the Congressional committees on which we serve. We have been 
feted at welcoming receptions for new Members of Congress and at thank 
you receptions for Members who retire.
  Ron's outstanding leadership was recognized when the National 
Endowment for the

[[Page E501]]

Humanities honored the U.S. Capitol Historical Society with its 
National Humanities Medal in 2004. Upon receiving the award from 
President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, Ron noted, ``There 
is so much more to be told about our nation's history from inside this 
building (the Capitol) than simply the making of laws.'' Indeed there 
is, and Ron Sarasin has excelled in telling the story of the Capitol 
and Congress for the past 18 years.
  I thank Ron, for his persistent advocacy of Congress and the Capitol. 
Congratulations on a job well done and best wishes as he turns his 
attention to other endeavors.

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