SJR 11-NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MUSEUM  9:27:11 AM CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced the consideration of SJR 11, which calls on the congressional delegation to support efforts to construct a National Women's History Museum in the nation's capital. SENATOR BETTYE DAVIS, sponsor of SJR 11, thanked the committee for hearing the resolution. CELESTE HODGES, staff, Senator Bettye Davis, read from the following sponsor statement for SJR 11: Senate Joint Resolution No. 11 urges members of the Alaska delegation in Congress to support efforts by the National Women's History Museum to secure property in Washington DC near the National Mall as a permanent location for the National Women's History Museum. Women played and continue to play essential roles in many movements that helped shape the society we value so highly today. Such movements include the Labor Movement, the Women's Suffrage Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, the Women's Rights Movement, and the Environmental Movement. Women have long struggled to gain ground in a society largely dominated by men. Unfortunately, women achievements were marginalized and credit for their work and discoveries went to their male colleagues. Too often women were unsung heroes and their contributions went unnoticed. The displacement of women's history from the consciousness of the general public is indicated by the absence of women's history from K-12 curriculum. The achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was and is as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well. In the 1970's, that began to change as a movement to celebrate women's history gained momentum - a momentum we now feel each March during Women's History Month as we pay tribute to the millions of women who sacrificed so much to help create a better society and world. Since its founding in 1996, the National Women's History Museum Institution, with the support of the National Foundation for women legislators, has been working toward obtaining a permanent site near the National Mall for its building. The construction of a museum that exhibits the rich history of women and their many contributions to society is long overdue. Of the 210 statues in the capitol building, only 9 are of women. Of the 2,400 national historic landmarks in the country, only 5 percent document women's accomplishments. There are museums dedicated to airplanes, buildings, and postage stamps, but no single location dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of women, who are over half the country's population. MS. HODGES urged support of SJR 11. 9:31:04 AM ANN STONE, Senior Vice President, National Women's History Museum, Alexandria, Virginia, testified in support of SJR 11. She recalled support for the museum from Alaskans, including Senator Stevens in 1997. She said it is critical to receive support from across the states. In the 90's a survey showed that 80 percent surveyed were in favor of a women's history museum. She spoke of the museum's goal to create a greater partnership between men and women, and to provide greater role models for young girls. She applauded the legislature for considering SJR 11, which asks for the right to be able to purchase land on or near the Mall of Washington, DC. 9:36:02 AM ROBIN READ, President and CEO, National Foundation for Women Legislators, Washington, DC, testified in support of SJR 11. She listed the number of states that had already endorsed this legislation. She listed the types of museums already in existence and showed that a women's museum is obviously missing. The Women's History Museum would be the only museum not paid for by taxpayers. She pointed out that Alaska women are timeless pioneers. SENATOR KOOKESH spoke of his experience with building the American Indian Museum. He wondered if there was any land still available on the Mall. MS. READ commented that the Hispanic Museum, which will be located on the Mal, was just approved. She deferred to Ms. Stone to discuss available land. 9:39:52 AM MS. STONE noted that there are a couple of options for sites. It could be a purchase or a 99-year lease. It will be a revenue positive bill. She described a site on 12th and Independence; other sites are pending. SENATOR KOOKESH appreciated the group's efforts to find property for the museum. MS. READ said she appreciated the Native American Museum. SENATOR DAVIS encouraged passage of the resolution. SENATOR PASKVAN moved to report SJR 11, version A, out of committee with individual recommendations. There being no objection, SJR 11 was reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.