[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 389 Engrossed in House (EH)]
H. Res. 389
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
February 8, 2006.
Whereas museums are institutions of public service and education that foster
exploration, study, observation, critical thinking, contemplation and
dialogue to advance a greater public knowledge, understanding, and
appreciation of history, science, the arts, and the natural world;
Whereas Americans, according to survey data, view museums as one of the most
important resources for educating our children; and museums have a long-
standing tradition of inspiring curiosity in our Nation's schoolchildren
by devoting more than $1 billion and more than 18 million instructional
hours annually for elementary and secondary education programs in
communities across America through creative partnerships with schools;
and by involving professional development for teachers, bringing
traveling exhibits to local schools, digitizing materials for access
nationwide, creating electronic and printed educational materials that
use local and State curriculum standards; and by and hosting interactive
school field trips;
Whereas museums serve as community landmarks that contribute to the livability
and economic vitality of communities through expanding tourism; and that
museums rank in the top three family vacation destinations; revitalize
downtowns, often with signature buildings; attract relocating
businesses, by enhancing quality of life; provide shared community
experiences and meeting places; and serve as a repository and resource
for each community's unique history, culture, achievements, and values;
Whereas the Nation's more than 16,000 museums found in 9 out of every 10
counties in the United States receive approximately 865,000,000 visits
annually from people of all ages and backgrounds, with attendance being
free at more than half of these museums;
Whereas research indicates Americans view museums as one of the most trustworthy
sources of objective information and believe that authentic artifacts in
history museums and historic sites are second only to their family in
significance to creating a strong connection to the past;
Whereas museums enhance the public's ability to engage as citizens, through
developing a deeper sense of identity and a broader judgment about the
world, and by holding more than 750 million objects and living specimens
in the public trust to preserve and protect our cultural and natural
heritage for our current and future generations;
Whereas museums are increasingly entering into new partnerships with community
educational institutions that include schools, universities, libraries,
public broadcasting, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which
then, as partners, reach across community boundaries to provide broader
impact and synergy for their educational programming;
Whereas supporting the goals and ideals of The Year of the Museum would give
Americans the opportunity to celebrate the contributions museums have
made to American culture and life over the past 100 years; and
Whereas in 2006, American museums are celebrating 100 years of cooperation as a
profession and their collective contribution to our communities: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of The Year of the Museum; and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon
the people of the United States to observe such a year with appropriate
programs and activities.
Attest:
Clerk.