FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2009

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

More Than $1.7 Million Awarded to Support Training and Development
for Museum Professionals

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced today the seven recipients of $1,780,000 in 21st Century Museum Professionals (21 MP) grants. With their grants, these awardees will implement projects to strengthen leadership, management, interpretation, and other important skills for thousands of museum professionals nationwide.

“The challenges facing the museum field continually evolve with the advent of new technologies, research, and community needs. These grants will help museum professionals develop the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to navigate and succeed in this ever-changing field,” said Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS Director.

Many of this year’s 21MP projects will have long-lasting impacts. For example:

• The California Indian Museum and Cultural Center will partner with the National Indian Justice Center to create and pilot an online training program, “Protecting Our Legacies: Liaison Skills for Tribal Museum Personnel,” which will bolster skills in government-to-government communications for museum employees.
• At the UC Davis Arboretum, collaborators will develop, test, implement, and evaluate a multifaceted geographic information system (GIS) training program for museum professionals. The program will facilitate curation, conservation, facilities management, education, and research by allowing easy access, manipulation, and flexible display of information about living collections, exhibits, and site features.
• The Utah Humanities Council will partner with the Utah Museums Association to transform the state’s small and remote museums from isolated repositories of objects on display to venues that tell the story of their unique collections. “Museum Interpretation Initiative: Telling Our Stories” will improve the curatorial, interpretive, and educational abilities of museum professionals through training opportunities focused on historical research, exhibit development, and docent practices.

To learn more about the 2009 21 MP grant recipients and their innovative projects, click here.

The next deadline for the 21st Century Museum Professionals program is March 15, 2010. Click here for more information.

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 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.