A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS TO DEVELOP A STATE CULTURAL POLICY AND PRESERVATION PLAN FOR THE MUSEUM OF NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, the museum of New Mexico was founded in 1909, and it has had a long and illustrious history for almost one hundred years; and

WHEREAS, the museum of New Mexico consists of the palace of the governors, the fine arts museum, the museum of international folk art, the museum of Indian arts and culture, the laboratory of anthropology, the office of archaeological services, Coronado state monument, El Camino Real heritage center, Fort Seldon state monument, Fort Sumner state monument, Jemez state monument, old Lincoln county memorial and, soon, Mesilla state monument; and

WHEREAS, the museum is known worldwide for its priceless collections that belong not only to the current citizens of the state but to future generations as well; and

WHEREAS, although it is imperative that these collections be preserved and cared for, the museum and the office of cultural affairs do not have a cultural policy and preservation plan to ensure that the state's enormous historical and cultural heritage will endure;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the office of cultural affairs and the museum of New Mexico be requested to establish cultural policies and preservation plans for each of the components of the museum of New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the office of cultural affairs and the board of regents of the museum of New Mexico.