Since last summer, the National Coalition for History (NCH) has worked with the offices of Congressmen John Larson (D-CT) and Tom Cole (R-OK) on the creation of a Congressional History Caucus. We are pleased to announce the formation of this caucus, with Congressmen Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) serving as cochairs with Larson and Cole.

The purpose of the caucus is to provide a forum for members of Congress to share their interest in history and to promote an awareness of the subject. The cochairs have circulated a “Dear Colleague” letter (reproduced here) soliciting members of Congress to join them. The letter explains the purpose of the caucus and its planned goals and activities. We anticipate a major kickoff event on Capitol Hill sometime in the spring.

The coalition, working through its member organizations, is asking history and archives professionals across the country to encourage their representatives to join the caucus and actively participate in its activities. We urge you to ask your House member to contact Congressman Larson’s office to join the caucus.

In 2014, the NCH will be taking steps to help form a history caucus in the US Senate as well.

Lee White is executive director of the National Coalition for History.

© 2014 The National Coalition for History

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