Mr. President, today we honor the hard work and accomplishments of Ms. Diane Skvarla, who is retiring after 20 years of service as the Senate curator. In the 27 years that I have served Nevadans in…
Mr. President, today we honor the hard work and accomplishments of Ms. Diane Skvarla, who is retiring after 20 years of service as the Senate curator.
In the 27 years that I have served Nevadans in the Senate, I have never lost my appreciation for the rich history, works of fine art, and craftsmanship along the halls of the Senate. The Capitol and Senate office buildings are treasures and symbols of our democracy.
An enduring institution, the Senate is passed down from generation to generation as Senators and visitors come and go. Just as we have a responsibility to preserve the traditions and history of the Senate, we also have a responsibility to preserve the buildings and furnishings. Former majority leader Mike Mansfield understood the need to conserve these adornments of American democracy and advocated for the creation of the U.S. Senate Commission on Art and the Office of Senate Curator to fulfill this objective. Curators usually oversee museums and private collections. The Senate, on the other hand, is a working building. Maintaining a balance between conservation and the considerations of working life for Members and staff is a unique task. In her role as Senate curator, Diane has worked fiercely to successfully strike this balance every day.
Diane began working for the curator's office in 1979 as a staff member following graduation from Colgate University. After she earned her master's degree in museum studies from George Washington University in 1987, Diane took on more responsibility, including work on the Senate's bicentennial celebration in 1989. After a short break from the office, Diane was asked to return in 1994 as the curator to follow Jim Ketchum.
Throughout her tenure as curator, Diane has remained a steadfast advocate for the preservation of the Senate. Diane worked to publish the Catalogue of Fine Art and Catalogue of Graphic Art, both comprehensively documenting the decorative treasures of the Senate. Diane also worked to acquire the large portrait of Henry Clay that was previously unknown and now hangs in the Brumidi Corridor just off of the Senate floor. In addition, Diane spearheaded restoration efforts of the Old Senate Chamber in 2011-2012 and ongoing restoration and research in the Brumidi Corridor. She has been instrumental in the forthcoming publication of a book detailing the discoveries of the Brumidi Corridor in the Senate.
Among her many achievements are projects close to my heart. Diane worked hard to discover, catalogue, and restore articles of historic furniture such as the Russell barrel-back chairs and rosewood writing desk now used in my office. She also managed the restoration of a portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart that hangs in the entrance to my office.
Managing the working considerations of the Senate can be a challenge, especially following recent emergencies such as September 11 and the anthrax attacks in 2001. Following the terrorist attacks on New York City and the Pentagon new emergency measures and plans were implemented throughout the Federal Government. Diane has been instrumental in developing emergency disaster plans for the Senate's artistic and cultural artifacts. Creating and rehearsing evacuation plans for staff, producing protocols for handling artwork, and coordinating with first- responder agencies to ensure safe access and communication following disasters and emergencies, Diane leaves the Senate more prepared than ever.
I join my colleagues in thanking Diane for her hard work and extend congratulations on her well-earned retirement. I wish her the best in all of her future endeavors.
