Help us support the preservation of the Florida Agricultural Museum.   Dear Governor Crist, I understand that Florida’s current budget shortfall presents many issues and difficult challenges for you and the Legislature. However, I respectfully request your consideration for retaining the position of Historic Resource Manager within the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Marketing and Development. This position is the only one within the Department of Agriculture’s Division of marketing recommended for elimination in your 2008-2009 budget.  The Historic Resource Manager’s position is filled by the Director of the Florida Agricultural Museum. The elimination of that position will result in a 100% cut in state support for this vital heritage museum.   The Florida Agricultural Museum was created by the Legislature for the designated purpose of preserving the state’s agricultural and rural history (F.S. 570.092). The museum director is responsible for institutional operations which include the acquisition and preservation of millions of dollars worth of real and personal property assets, artifacts, historical data, and heritage livestock including Florida Cracker Cattle and Horses These items have been acquired through private and public donations, and through grants, most of which wre obtained from the State of Florida. The Director is also responsible for the development, expansion, and management of the museum’s infrastructure. For many years, the museum has leveraged the entire balance of its operating budget from local and other private sources. To lose the position of museum director would place at risk significant progress and investments dedicated to the preservation of a unique part of Florida’s heritage.   I hope that you will agree that the importance of preserving our agricultural and rural history significantly outweighs the cost of one position. Again, I respectfully request that you be an advocate for continued funding of the only position that the state supplies in support of the Florida Agricultural Museum.   Sincerely,   Mary K. Herron