A Statement from Anne-Imelda Radice,
Director of IMLS, on the loss of
Joel N. Bloom, former Director and President of the Franklin Institute
WASHINGTON, DC (October 1, 2008)—The Institute of Museum and library Services is saddened by the death of Joel N. Bloom, former director and president of the Franklin Institute, and a lifelong champion of museums and their core educational mission.
Mr. Bloom never wavered in his enthusiasm for museums as places of imagination, curiosity, and discovery. During his watch, the Franklin Institute became a national and international model of the educational power of museums, and was recognized this week by the Institute of Museum and Library Services as a winner of the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
Mr. Bloom’s dedicated and visionary leadership extended throughout the museum field. He was the founding president of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) in 1971, president of the American Association of Museums (AAM) from 1988 to 1992, and chairman of the U.S. National committee of the International Council of Museums. He co-chaired the Commission on Museums for a New Century, which issued its landmark Museums for a New Century report in 1984. In 1993, he received the AAM’s Award for Distinguished Service to Museums.
Mr. Bloom was an always-responsive and supportive mentor to a generation of current museum leaders, especially many women moving through the ranks. Throughout his career, he never lost a sense of humor that characterized his approach to any challenge that came his way.
We remember him with great affection and gratitude, and we extend our sympathy to his children and grandchildren.
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