HONORING ROBERT A. "ROB" KRET ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

On 2026-04-29, Representative John B. Larson (D-CT-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ROBERT A. "ROB" KRET ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered trade policy, crime and justice.

HONORING ROBERT A. "ROB" KRET ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E389] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ROBERT A. ``ROB'' KRET ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT ______ HON. JOHN B. LARSON of connecticut in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 29, 2026 Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert A. Kret on the occasion of his retirement after an extraordinary 35- year career in museum leadership, historic preservation, and public service. It is especially fitting that Rob retires at this pivotal moment in our Nation's history, as the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. At a time when our country is reflecting on its past and looking toward its future, Rob's lifelong work preserving history, elevating community stories, and strengthening civic institutions has never been more important. His imprint on the museum field, and particularly on the role of state and local history organizations at this crucial national juncture, will endure for generations. Throughout his distinguished career, Rob Kret has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to preserving our shared history, expanding access to culture, and ensuring that museums remain vibrant institutions that educate and inspire future generations. Most recently, Rob has served with distinction as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, a role he assumed in 2019. During his tenure, he guided the institution through a period of remarkable growth and transformation. Under his leadership, the Museum successfully navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, completed a strategic rebranding and name change, broadened statewide and national awareness, and launched significant expansion planning efforts. Thanks to Rob's vision and dedication, annual visitation grew to more than 100,000 visitors, contributed revenue increased substantially, and both the Board of Trustees and professional staff expanded and diversified. He also helped secure two Community Project Funding awards totaling $2 million, strengthening the Museum's ability to preserve and share Connecticut's rich and diverse stories. Through his efforts, the Connecticut Museum has become an even more dynamic and relevant institution as it celebrated its historic 200th anniversary as the Nation's 7th oldest history organization. Importantly, Rob has been a leading voice in highlighting the indispensable role that state and local history organizations will play in the upcoming America's 250th anniversary as the institutions best positioned to connect Americans to our Nation's story and preserve it for generations to come. He has helped remind the Nation that the story of America is not told only through national landmarks or famous figures, but through the towns, neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and communities whose histories collectively define our democracy. His leadership has elevated the importance of investing in historical societies, museums, and archives so that every community can see itself reflected in this once-in-a-generation commemoration. Before coming to Connecticut, Rob brought decades of leadership experience to some of the Nation's most respected cultural institutions. He served as Executive Director of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he oversaw major capital projects, strengthened collections stewardship, and expanded public engagement. Earlier in his career, he led the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Miami University Art Museum in Ohio, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wisconsin, and the Ella Sharp Museum in Michigan. In each role, he left institutions stronger, more sustainable, and better positioned to serve their communities. Rob's career has been marked not only by administrative excellence, but by a deep belief that museums are essential civic spaces--places where communities can see themselves reflected, where history is preserved with honesty and care, and where curiosity can flourish. His leadership has helped countless people connect more deeply with art, culture, and history. As Rob steps into retirement, we recognize not only his many accomplishments, but also the integrity, wisdom, and generosity with which he has led. We thank him for his decades of service and for the lasting legacy he leaves in Connecticut and across the museum field. On behalf of the United States Congress, I extend my sincere congratulations to Robert A. Kret on his retirement and offer my best wishes for health, happiness, and continued success in the years ahead. ____________________