FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2006

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

$1.6 Million Awarded to Promote Leadership in Nation’s Museums

Washington, DC--The Institute of Museum and Library Services, the primary source of federal funds for the nation's museums and libraries, awarded $1,671,157 today to nine organizations under the 21st Century Museum Professionals program. The recipients will match the awards with an additional $1,887,935. This year IMLS received 52 applications for the grants seeking nearly $11 million.

"The 21st Century Museum Professionals program promotes leadership at our nation's museums and ensures excellence in the services that benefit the American people," said Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. "With today's grants, scores of staff serving hundreds of institutions, from zoos to art museums all across the country, will become expert in emergency planning and conservation, developing standards-based school resources, promoting economic tourism, and collaborating with their communities."

The 21st Century Museum Professionals program supports a range of activities, including professional training in all areas of museum operations and leadership development. Museum professionals need high levels of knowledge and expertise to allow museums to play their essential role in the education of the American public: preserving our rich heritage and transmitting it from one generation to the next. In partnership with schools, community organizations, and other cultural institutions, the 21st Century Museum Professionals program helps museum professionals update their knowledge and skills.

For a contact list of the grant recipients and descriptions of their award winning projects, please access: www.imls.gov/news/2006/092106_list.shtm.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its mission is to grow and sustain a “Nation of Learners” because lifelong learning is essential to a democratic society and individual success. Through its grant making, convenings, research and publications, the Institute empowers museums and libraries nationwide to provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and communities, sustain cultural heritage, build twenty-first-century skills, and increase civic participation. To learn more about the Institute, please visit: www.imls.gov.