STATE OF OKLAHOMA

2nd Session of the 53rd Legislature (2012)

SENATE
RESOLUTION 32	By:	Johnson (Constance)

AS INTRODUCED

A Resolution encouraging Congress to support the establishment of a National Women's History Museum in Washington, D.C.; and directing distribution. 

WHEREAS, in 1987 Congress declared March as "Women's History Month" to acknowledge the important role women have played in shaping America.  Although women constitute a majority of the nation's population their achievements and contributions are underrepresented in museums, memorials and history textbooks; and
WHEREAS, in 1999 The President's Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History called for a women's history museum to be established on "The National Mall" in Washington, D.C.  The National Women's History Museum (NWHM), founded in 1996, is a non-partisan, non-profit, educational institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the diverse historic contributions of women; and
WHEREAS, the NWHM has identified federally owned property for sale near the National Mall. Legislation is currently pending in Congress seeking authorization for the NWHM to be able to purchase this property at fair market value with privately raised funds.  No federal funds are being sought; and
WHEREAS, there are museums dedicated to flight, postage stamps, buildings and many other important people and issues, but not to women.  The NWHM will showcase the full history of American women and the contributions they have made and continue to make in the marketplace, arts and sciences, government, entertainment, education, home and community; and
WHEREAS, a Coalition of 43 women's organizations representing 8 million women, including the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), supports the NWHM's efforts to establish a permanent residence near the National Mall, the most prominent location for museums in D.C.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 53RD OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
THAT the Oklahoma State Senate encourages the esteemed members of Oklahoma's Congressional Delegation to support the efforts of the National Women's History Museum to secure a permanent home in the nation's capital for a museum that will highlight the important role women have played in shaping this great nation.
THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to all members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation.

53-2-2408	JB	2/8/2012 9:31:57 AM