[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 139 (Tuesday, August 27, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TORPEDO FACTORY ART CENTER

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                       HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR.

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 27, 2019

  Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in celebrating the 45th anniversary of the 
Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The arts are very 
important to the Eighth District of Virginia, and play a crucial role 
in our economic growth, community development, and educational 
opportunities.
  The U.S. Naval Torpedo Station in Alexandria opened a century ago and 
has served many unique roles in its lifetime. During World War II it 
was used as a munitions plant before being turned into a storage 
facility. In 1969, the City of Alexandria bought the building for use 
by its residents.
  The President of The Art League of Alexandria, Marian Van Landingham, 
proposed converting the space into art studios in 1974. Today, 45 years 
later, the Torpedo Factory Art Center continues to be a thriving 
creative community in the City of Alexandria. The center hosts over 
500,000 visitors every year and is the nation's largest collection of 
working-artists' open studios under one roof. It is a significant part 
of the City of Alexandria's history and, I hope, its future.
  Madam Speaker, for these reasons I ask the House of Representatives 
to join me in congratulating the Torpedo Factory Art Center on reaching 
this milestone anniversary, and in thanking all those who have 
contributed their time and talent to the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

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