In February 2008, Assemblyman Mike Villines introduced ACR 100 to proclaim May 2008 as California Museum Month. ACR 100 highlights the vital role museums play in educating our state’s students and citizens. CAM is proud to report that 69 assemblymembers have signed on as co-authors of ACR 100 - which represents 88% of the State Assembly! The bill, with a complete list of the coauthors from the assembly, can be read in its entirety at http://www.calmuseums.org/news/ACR_100.pdf. CAM encourages you to send a thank you note to your assemblymember if he/she was among those who demonstrated their support.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has also issued a proclamation to "extend warm greetings" for California Museum Month. To read the entire proclamation, visit http://www.calmuseums.org/museum_month/2008_proclamation.pdf. Governor Schwarzenegger wrote, "I commend the outstanding work you are doing to promote our state's museums and enrich our state. Our museums offer millions of people a chance to remember the past, better understand our culture and embrace our heritage. Their research enlightens visitors, their exhibits provide us with access to remarkable artifacts, and they serve as a wonderful resource for students in expanding their minds and sparking curiosity."
These actions by our assemblymembers and Governor demonstrate that there is bipartisan and statewide support for California's museums. We are achieving our goal to focus the attention of our elected officials on the important role that museums play in the state of California. Our museums are located in every county and region throughout California, represent a multitude of disciplines, collect and interpret our natural and cultural world, offer learning experience for all ages, and attract tens-of-millions of visitors annually. For additional information about California Museum Month and the role your organization could play, visit CAM's website at http://www.calmuseums.org/museum_month/index.html.
To learn more, contact Celeste DeWald, CAM Executive Director at (831) 471-9970 or cam@calmuseums.org.
