[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20361]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 NORTHEASTERN NEVADA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of 
the Northeastern Nevada Historical Society. This important event is a 
testament to the hard work of many individuals across Nevada, and it is 
worthy of recognition today.
  Since its founding in 1956, the Historical Society has grown from a 
membership of 8 to include over 2,000 members this year. Throughout 
this half century, the Historical Society has dedicated itself to the 
preservation of Nevada's heritage. Its collection of documents, 
artifacts, and art has become a valuable resource for genealogists, 
historians, Nevada residents, and visitors.
  Today, almost any member of the public has access to the extensive 
research materials of the Northeastern Nevada Historical Society. Legal 
documents, personal papers, newspapers, maps, oral histories, family 
histories, and municipal records combine with a library of more than 
2,200 books and 33,000 photographs to enhance the collection.
  In 1968, the Northeastern Nevada Historical Society founded a museum 
in Elko. The Northeastern Nevada Museum houses the Historical Society's 
collections and permanent displays as well as special exhibits. The 
museum has prospered through the years, adding exhibition space to 
accommodate an increasingly large collection and growing popularity 
among patrons. It is a source of pride for the entire Elko community.
  The Historical Society's collections represent many different faces 
of Nevada. Exhibits on geology and natural history display the 
prehistory of Nevada. Another important exhibit is the treasure trove 
of artifacts from the Great Basin Indian tribes. History comes alive at 
the museum through representations of the Pony Express, mining camps, 
the California Trail, and the Basque and Chinese experience in the 
West. The museum's collection extends into the 21st century to reflect 
the well-preserved wilderness and contemporary art that define Nevada 
today.
  The Historical Society has also reached out to the residents of 
northeastern Nevada. They welcome school groups, sponsor speaker series 
and slide shows, and host local artists. At the same time, the 
Historical Society extended its reach beyond the local region by 
publishing a quarterly journal and attracting museum visitors from many 
different states and countries.
  I can confidently say that the people of Nevada are grateful for the 
Historical Society's dedicated effort to preserve the rich history of 
our State. I am proud to commend the Northeastern Nevada Historical 
Society and extend my congratulations on the Society's 50th 
anniversary. I am confident that the next 50 years will be just as 
successful as the past 50 have been.

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