Bill Summary
The "National Museum of Play Recognition Act" is a legislative bill aimed at officially recognizing the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum, also known as the Strong Museum, located in Rochester, New York. This museum is unique as it focuses exclusively on the role of play in fostering learning, creativity, and cultural history. The bill designates the Strong Museum as the National Museum of Play, highlighting its significance in understanding the impact of play on society. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that this recognition does not make the museum a part of the National Park System and does not authorize the use of federal funds for its operations or development.
Possible Impacts
The "National Museum of Play Recognition Act" can affect people in several ways, including but not limited to the following examples:
1. **Increased Tourism and Economic Impact**: By designating the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum as the National Museum of Play, it may attract more visitors to Rochester, New York. This increased foot traffic can benefit local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops, contributing to the city's economy and creating jobs in the hospitality and service sectors.
2. **Educational Opportunities**: The recognition of the museum may enhance its reputation as a significant educational resource. Schools and educators might be more inclined to organize field trips or educational programs at the museum, thereby providing children and families with opportunities to engage in learning through play. This could foster creativity and critical thinking skills among younger generations.
3. **Cultural and Community Pride**: The official designation of the museum can foster a sense of pride within the local community. Residents may take pride in having a nationally recognized institution that highlights the importance of play in learning and cultural history. This recognition could encourage community engagement, support for the museum's programs, and increased participation in local events and activities related to the museum.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 235 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 235
To recognize the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum in Rochester, New
York.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 7, 2025
Mr. Morelle (for himself and Mr. Langworthy) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To recognize the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum in Rochester, New
York.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Museum of Play Recognition
Act''.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PLAY IN ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.
(a) Congressional Recognition.--Congress--
(1) recognizes that the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum,
DBA Strong Museum, located in Rochester, New York, is the only
museum of its kind that exists for the exclusive purpose of
exploring the ways in which play encourages learning,
creativity, and discovery, and how it illuminates cultural
history; and
(2) officially designates the Margaret Woodbury Strong
Museum as the National Museum of Play.
(b) Effect of Recognition; Designation.--The National Museum of
Play recognized in subsection (a) is not a unit of the National Park
System and the designation under subsection (a) shall not be construed
to require or permit Federal funds to be expended for any purpose
related to the Museum.
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