A JOINT MEMORIAL

ENDORSING THE NEW MEXICO CENTENNIAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.

     WHEREAS, in 2012, New Mexico will celebrate the centennial of its January 6, 1912 statehood; and

     WHEREAS, no other state in the United States possesses a deeper, richer or more diversified history than New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the historical society of New Mexico has proposed that an encyclopedia of New Mexico history and culture be prepared as a major and enduring centennial project and that it be lively, abundantly illustrated and comprehensive, covering every corner, every era from the prehistoric to the present and every culture of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, at several meetings of competent scholars and writers, it has been suggested that the New Mexico centennial encyclopedia be published in one or two volumes in 2012; that it be made available in electronic format and on the internet to ensure the widest possible school and public access; and that it be continually updated; and

     WHEREAS, the university of New Mexico will provide the New Mexico centennial encyclopedia project a home with office space, released faculty time and fundraising aid; and

     WHEREAS, the project's board of directors, contributing editors and authors will be drawn from every part of the state and beyond; and

     WHEREAS, the enthusiastic endorsement of the New Mexico legislature is vital to the success of this momentous educational project in order to attract both publicity for the encyclopedia and needed personal, corporate and public funds;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it endorse the New Mexico centennial encyclopedia project, acknowledge preliminary planning of the historical society of New Mexico and recommend that individuals and agencies support this exemplary educational project so that all New Mexicans may better understand and appreciate the richness and variety that is their shared heritage.