A JOINT MEMORIAL

ENDORSING THE NEW MEXICO CENTENNIAL ENCYCLOPEDIA PROJECT.

     WHEREAS, in January of the year 2012, New Mexico will celebrate the centennial of its 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

     WHEREAS, it is proposed that this encyclopedia be lively, abundantly illustrated and comprehensive, covering every geographic area, every era from prehistoric to the present and every culture of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the university of New Mexico will provide a home for this project, donating office space, faculty time and assistance in fundraising; and

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

     WHEREAS, the enthusiastic endorsement of the New Mexico state legislature is vital to the success of this momentous educational project, both in publicizing it and in attracting necessary personal, corporate and government funding;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico centennial encyclopedia project be earnestly endorsed, that the preliminary planning of the historical society of New Mexico be acknowledged and that support of this exemplary educational undertaking be recommended to other individuals and agencies so that, through the publication of the centennial encyclopedia, others may better understand and appreciate the richness and variety of the heritage we share; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be sent to the board of regents of the university of New Mexico and the board of the New Mexico historical society.