GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 1532

Short Title:  NC Museums Council Funds.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Representatives Gottovi; Colton, H. Hunter, James, Jenkins, Yongue, Cummings, Mosley, Hensley, Jeffus, Warner, Ives, and Hill.
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Referred to:  Appropriations.
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May 25, 1994

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL RESOURCES TO JOIN WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUMS COUNCIL IN PROVIDING SERVICE TO MUSEUMS THROUGHOUT NORTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, more than 200 museums exist in our State, varying greatly in size and subject, from the small county history museum to the local art gallery to the regional science center and to the large historic village; and
Whereas, museums serve all 100 counties in North Carolina, educate thousands of school children on a daily basis, provide life-long learning experience to millions of citizens, and offer after-school programs that enable at-risk children to participate in meaningful activities; and
Whereas, museums are the tourism base in many communities, providing economic benefits and job creation from tourism dollars spent in these communities; and
Whereas, our museums need professional support to care better for irreplaceable artifacts, provide teachers with authentic materials and supplement in-school learning with hands-on museum experiences, and continue to boost the economic vitality of communities through increased tourism; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Museums Council, a volunteer nonprofit association of museums and museum professionals representing science, art, and history museums in North Carolina, agrees to work with the Department in a public-private partnership to strengthen and serve all museums in our State; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Cultural Resources, the sum of thirty-seven thousand two hundred dollars ($37,200) for the 1994-95 fiscal year for the establishment of a museums services position, charged with the responsibility of planning for and directing a partnership with the North Carolina Museums Council to:  assist the development of museums, particularly local museums in our State; provide further training for the staff members of museums; and give opportunities for staff members of museums to share information, ideas, and materials to enhance the appreciation of the State's natural and cultural heritage, thereby improving the quality of life for the citizens of our State.
Sec. 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 1994.