[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 126 (Thursday, July 25, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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    STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MISSOURI CENTER FOR MISSOURI STUDIES

 Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, today, I stand to recognize the 
grand opening of the State Historical Society of Missouri's Center for 
Missouri Studies on August 10. The Center for Missouri Studies was 
established in 2014, and this new facility will move the State 
Historical Society from its home of 100 years to a new, visionary 
center meant to connect scholars of varied disciplines, showcase 
artwork by renowned Missourians, and provide state-of-the-art space for 
educational programming.
  The State Historical Society of Missouri was founded in 1898 by the 
Missouri Press Association and has been an integral part of the 
preservation of Missouri's history ever since. Not only does it support 
research at centers in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla, 
St. Louis, and Springfield, it also houses an extensive collection of 
manuscripts, newspapers, books, maps, photographs, and art. Thanks to 
the efforts of dedicated staff over decades, the public can explore the 
records, myths, and culture that comprise the rich history of our 
State,
  The new Center for Missouri Studies will build upon the State 
Historical Society's mission to ``collect, preserve, publish, exhibit, 
and make available'' to the public myriad resources and opportunities 
to learn. The center will feature a large art gallery, multipurpose and 
classroom space, an expanded research center, and modern conservation 
lab space. Not only will the public have greater access to historical 
archives and artwork, expert scholars will be able to study and examine 
the society's extensive collections in a space designed to facilitate 
collaboration.
  The commitment of the State Historical Society of Missouri to 
preserve our history as we look forward to the beginning of a third 
century in our State is to be commended. The potential for the public 
to enjoy our State's unique past with greater ease cannot be 
undervalued. The dedication of the State Historical Society to drive 
this project to completion serves as an example to others. I extend my 
sincere thanks for all they do. Congratulations to Executive Director 
Gary Kremer and all State Historical Society of Missouri staff on this 
important occasion.

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