Harry Reid: “today I wish to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. For a quarter century, the…”

“today I wish to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. For a quarter century, the museum has inspired curiosity, appreciation, and responsibility for the natural world and its resources. It is my great pleasure to recognize the institution, its employees, and its board members before the U.S. Senate today. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum began as a culmination of efforts by dedicated Nevadans, including executive director and founder Marilyn Gillespie, to protect the State's collection of wildlife and prehistoric exhibits. Through cooperation with the Las Vegas City Council and partnerships within the Las Vegas area, the museum was soon able to officially open its doors to visitors in 1991. Since then, the museum has expanded to include a multibillion dollar collection of regional and global artifacts, as well as a variety of interactive scientific exhibits and educational resources. In 2002, the Smithsonian Institution granted affiliate membership to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, further enhancing its exhibits and impact on visitors. Early collaborations within the Las Vegas area provided the framework for a history of community engagement that continues to define the institution to this day. Last year, more than 23,000 educational tours were provided to students from Clark County, each of which were designed to meet State educational requirements.…”