THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY GERBER, SHAPIRO, BEYER, BISHOP, BOYLE, BRENNAN, BUXTON, CALTAGIRONE, CHRISTIANA, COHEN, DALEY, DePASQUALE, DeWEESE, DiGIROLAMO, DRUCKER, EVERETT, FLECK, FRANKEL, FREEMAN, GEIST, GEORGE, GINGRICH, GODSHALL, GOODMAN, HESS, JOHNSON, KAUFFMAN, KIRKLAND, KORTZ, KOTIK, LENTZ, MANN, MARKOSEK, McGEEHAN, METZGAR, MILLARD, MIRABITO, MUNDY, MURPHY, M. O'BRIEN, O'NEILL, PALLONE, READSHAW, ROCK, SAYLOR, SCHRODER, SIPTROTH, SONNEY, SWANGER, KILLION, PAYNE, BRIGGS, YOUNGBLOOD, VEREB, S. H. SMITH, CASORIO AND SANTONI, SEPTEMBER 28, 2010

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, SEPTEMBER 28, 2010  

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the National Museum of American Jewish History, an

affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, as the only museum

in the United States dedicated exclusively to exploring and

preserving the American Jewish experience.

WHEREAS, The National Museum of American Jewish History

serves to illustrate how the freedom present in the United

States and its associated choices, challenges and

responsibilities fostered an environment in which Jewish

Americans have made and continue to make extraordinary

contributions in all facets of American life; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the National Museum of American

Jewish History, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is

to connect Jewish people more closely to their heritage and to

inspire in individuals of all backgrounds a greater appreciation

for the diversity of the American experience and the freedoms to

which all Americans aspire; and

WHEREAS, The National Museum of American Jewish History was

founded in 1976 by members of the historic Congregation Mikveh

Israel which was itself established in 1740 and known as the

"Synagogue of the American Revolution"; and

WHEREAS, The National Museum of American Jewish History has

attracted a broad audience to its public programs which explore

American Jewish identity through lectures, panel discussions,

authors' talks, films, activities for children, theater and

music; and

WHEREAS, The National Museum of American Jewish History is

the repository of the largest collection of Jewish Americana in

the world with more than 25,000 objects; and

WHEREAS, The National Museum of American Jewish History

recently relocated to a 100,000-square foot, five-story, state-

of-the-art facility on Independence Mall in Philadelphia,

standing just steps from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

which shall serve as a cornerstone of the American Jewish

community and a source of national pride; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge the

importance of the continuing study and preservation of the

unique American Jewish experience; and be it further 

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the

National Museum of American Jewish History, an affiliate of the

Smithsonian Institution, as the only museum in the United States

dedicated exclusively to exploring and preserving the American

Jewish experience.