A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the Museum.

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, according to survey data, the people of the United States view museums as one of the most important resources for educating children;

Whereas museums have a long-standing tradition of inspiring curiosity in schoolchildren that is a result of investments of more than $1,000,000,000 and more than 18,000,000 instructional hours annually for elementary and secondary education programs in communities across the United States, creative partnerships with schools, professional development for teachers, traveling exhibits to local schools, digitization of materials for access nationwide, creation of electronic and printed educational materials that use local and State curriculum standards, and the hosting of interactive school field trips;

Whereas museums serve as community landmarks that contribute to the livability and economic vitality of communities through expanding tourism;

Whereas museums rank in the top 3 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 there are more than 16,000 museums in the United States and admission is free at more than half of these museums;

Whereas approximately 865,000,000 people visit museums annually and these people come from all ages, groups, and backgrounds;

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 families in significance in creating a strong connection with 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 750,000,000 objects and living specimens in the public trust to preserve and protect the cultural and natural heritage of the United States for 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, and these partnerships reach across community boundaries to provide broader impact and synergy for their community educational programs;

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, museums of the United States are celebrating 100 years of collective contribution to our communities: Now, therefore, be it