FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2005

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Eileen Maxwell, emaxwell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Nearly $1 Million Awarded to Museum Professional Development Projects

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funds for the nation's museums and libraries, awarded $996,760 today to four organizations under the 21st Century Museum Professionals program. The recipients will match the awards with an additional $1,071,712.

"The Institute of Museum and Library Services is dedicated to helping libraries and museums create and sustain a nation of learners,” said Mary L. Chute, Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “The need for life-long learning applies to the staff of museums and libraries as well as the users of those institutions. In partnership with schools, community organizations and other cultural institutions, the 21st Century Museum Professionals program helps museum professionals update their knowledge and skills.”

The 21st Century Museum Professionals program supports a range of activities, including professional training in all areas of museum operations and leadership development. The recipients of this year’s grants are the American Association for State and Local History, the Association of Science - Technology Centers, the Northeast Document Conservation Center, and the Phoenix Zoo. For more details, please see the please see the list of awarded institutions.