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; revi-
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talize 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 cele-
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brate 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.