[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 27224]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          HONORING THE YOUTH MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today I am especially proud to 
recognize the achievement of one of my state's most prized 
organizations, the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia. Joining only 
21 other museums nationwide, the Youth Museum has been selected as a 
recipient of this year's prestigious Institute of Museum and Library 
Service National Award for Museum Service. This award highlights the 
enormous contributions made by the Youth Museum to the growth and 
development of the children of Southern West Virginia. This 
organization is truly deserving of this national recognition.
  Located in the beautiful mountains of Beckley, West Virginia, the 
Youth Museum has brought culture, art, and the rich tradition of 
Appalachian history to West Virginian school children since 1977. 
Earning the praise of teachers, parents, and school administrators, the 
Museum has touched the lives of thousands of families across the state. 
Without the vast resources of more urban contemporaries, the Youth 
Museum has helped to ensure that West Virginia's children have a sense 
of the diverse accomplishment and creativity that define their state's 
heritage.
  An example of the unique and significant opportunities offered by the 
Youth Museum can be found in the Page After Page program. Recognizing 
the extraordinary number of talented writers to be found in our state, 
the Museum has brought together teachers, librarians, reading 
specialists, students, and native authors to create an exhibition that 
emphasizes literacy and the achievements of West Virginia artists. 
Combining a focus on improving reading skills with the unique and 
personal contributions of local writers, this program continues to 
challenge, stimulate, and inspire young readers across the state.
  However, the Page After Page program is just one example of the 
Museum's commitment to providing positive and significant opportunities 
for West Virginia's youth. The Artists-in-Residence series, programs 
for special needs preschoolers, a planetarium, a science room, even a 
recreated pioneer village--the list of educational resources and 
activities is endless. Of course, this list reflects the hard work and 
dedication of an organization that has not wavered in its commitment to 
our children, or in its celebration of the unique and vital history of 
West Virginia.
  For 23 years, the Youth Museum has been enriching the lives of the 
children and families in our great state. Truly, it was a privilege to 
nominate the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia for this year's 
Award for Museum Service, and it was no surprise to learn that they 
were chosen for this prestigious national recognition. I am deeply 
proud of their accomplishment, and look forward to the many 
contributions the Museum will continue to make to the education of West 
Virginia's youth.

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