[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 112 (Thursday, July 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE McHENRY MUSEUM & HISTORICAL 
                                SOCIETY

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                            HON. JOSH HARDER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 7, 2022

  Mr. HARDER of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the 50th anniversary of the McHenry Museum & Historical Society. 
Through its work over the last five decades, the McHenry Museum & 
Historical Society has served as a center for cultural enrichment, 
learning, and inspiration for our community in the Central Valley.
  Located in the heart of downtown Modesto, the McHenry Museum welcomes 
thousands of visitors annually and works to preserve our local history. 
It's the continuation of a long tradition of public servants and 
committed community members working together to make sure that our 
community has a place to gather and celebrate its history. Modesto's 
first museum was opened in 1968 by the Citizens' Cultural Committee. By 
1971, The City of Modesto recognized the success these efforts to 
chronicle early Modesto. It was then, that the vacated McHenry Public 
Library building converted into the McHenry Museum and Art Center.
  The Museum was dedicated on July 4, 1972, when it took residence in 
the McHenry Public Library. One room became the changing exhibit room, 
another to display historic paintings, and the third was devoted to 
``permanent'' displays. The auditorium was also part of the museum and 
was used for a variety of events from musical presentations to city 
council meetings.
  To this day, the McHenry Museum & Historical Society continues to 
preserve our history and uplift the arts in a way that inspires our 
community. I thank the McHenry Museum & Historical Society volunteers, 
employees, generous donors, Board of Directors, Committee members, and 
public servants who give their time and energy to ensure that this 
incredible landmark will be around for decades to come.

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