WHEREAS, California is home to over 1,500 museums that are located in every county and region throughout the state and serve over 22,000,000 visitors per year; and

WHEREAS, California museums represent a vast multitude of learning opportunities and experiences, including art museums, zoos, aquaria, historical societies, science centers, tribal museums, botanical gardens, children’s museums, and cultural centers; and

WHEREAS, California museums help the state meet its obligations in the field of education by collectively serving 2,465,000 K-12 school children per year, which is the equivalent of 40 percent of California’s public and private school population, and over 1,000,000 college and university students per year through field trips and outreach programs; and

WHEREAS, California museums support over 80,000 jobs and have a $6,500,000,000 financial impact on the economy; and

WHEREAS, Americans view museums as one of the most trustworthy sources of objective information, and, after their families, the most significant in creating a strong connection to the past; and

WHEREAS, Museums are stewards of the cultural and natural heritage of California, the nation, and the world, and offer all Californians the opportunity to learn and grow an appreciation for arts, nature, and the wonderful lessons these landmarks provide; and

WHEREAS, Together with California’s Indigenous communities, collections, staff, scientists, and artists, California’s museums help educate communities through exhibitions, public programs, and research and are community-centric locations; and

WHEREAS, California museums serve as caretakers, interpreters, educators, and amplifiers of culture and history, scientific discoveries, and the arts; and

WHEREAS, California museums provide inspiration for the state’s future scientists, creators, artists, politicians, historians, and entrepreneurs; and

WHEREAS, The California Association of Museums has served to bring important recognition of this commemorative month and invites all museums, museum service organizations, California residents, and local governments to use this milestone to recognize and celebrate the essential role California museums play as educational institutions as they serve communities, the nation, and the world; now, therefore, be it