Natcher Exhibit To Open
October 1 At WKU
September 08, 2004
Bowling Green, Ky. - William Huston Natcher represented Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District for 41 years. During his tenure he amassed a huge collection of letters, photographs, plaques and other memorabilia. When he died in 1994, a major portion of his collection came to the Kentucky Library and Museum at Western Kentucky University. After several years of processing, the William H. Natcher Political Collection is ready to open for patron use.
That opening will be 5-7pm, Friday, October 1, at the Kentucky Library and Museum. At 6 o'clock, University President Gary Ransdell will preside during a brief program to pay tribute to Congressman Natcher. Also scheduled to speak are former Congressman Romano L. Mazzoli, of Louisville, who represented Kentucky's 3rd District for 24 years, and Barren River Area Development District Special Services Coordinator Jack Eversole, a long-time personal friend of Congressman Natcher's.
Also planned for this event is the opening of an exhibit titled "William H. Natcher: The Gentleman From Kentucky," a showcase of many collection items, including the 59-volume daily journal. There will also be a reception.
William Huston Natcher was elected to the United State House of Representatives in 1953 and served until his death in 1994. He was – and undoubtedly shall remain – unique among elected politicians.
Natcher took very seriously his sworn duty to fulfill his legislative responsibilities by never missing a roll-call vote. In fact, not long before his death, he cast his 18,401 consecutive vote, a record, most are confident, will never be equaled or surpassed. He also was unique in not accepting campaign contributions, choosing to fund limited campaigning using his own money.
Over the years, Natcher became one of the mostly highly respected members of Congress, gaining a reputation as an honest, hard-working and dedicated public servant.
To better serve his constituents, Natcher sought membership on important House committees, such as Appropriations. In 1979 he became Chair of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and was instumental in passing major social legislation that benefited all Americans, not just Kentuckians. His influence was extended even further when he assumed the Appropriations Committee chairmanship in 1992.
The William H. Natcher Political Collection opening is a fundraiser to benefit the Kentucky Library and Museum, and attendance at this once-in-a-lifetime event is contingent upon membership. Cost to attend the opening will be $25/person for Library and Museum Associates; $50/person for nonmembers. For more information about the Natcher Collection opening, contact Earlene Chelf, Coordinator of Marketing and Special Events, (270) 745-5263 or earlene.chelf@wku.edu or check the Website: www.wku.edu/Library/kylm
