Back to Project Profile

Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, WY

“The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is immensely deserving of the 2008 National Medal because of its long-standing commitment to public service and educational outreach,” said U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), who nominated the Center for the award. "This is the most prestigious national accolade a museum can receive. I am pleased the Institute of Museum and Library Services is recognizing the Center as one of the best in the country for outstanding community contributions.”

“We, in Wyoming, know just how important museums like the Buffalo Bill Historical Center are to the heart of our rural communities. They preserve our history and provide residents with cultural enrichment opportunities and invaluable public services. I am proud of all that the Buffalo Bill Historical Center has done for Cody, the Big Horn Basin and our state. Congratulations to everyone at the museum for winning the 2008 National Medal,” Enzi said.

“I congratulate the Buffalo Bill Historical Center on this outstanding achievement,” said U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY). “I am thrilled to see the Buffalo Bill Historical Center honored for its efforts in educating the public about the rich history, natural beauty, and diverse culture of Wyoming and the American West.”

“The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is truly an organization deserving of such a high honor,” said U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY-At Large). “Its work in Cody brings to life the history of this wild-west town and recreates the adventures of Buffalo Bill Cody. These exhibits also honor the culture of Wyoming’s Plains Indians, celebrate Western Art and represent our great state’s outdoor traditions. It has been my pleasure working with this organization to advance their work and I commend them on receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.”

The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA

“The Franklin Institute remains one of Philadelphia’s most-beloved cultural treasures and a paramount educational resource to the area and the country,” said U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA). “As Pennsylvania’s most visited museum, a top-ten science center in the nation, and a national leader in community education, I congratulate the Franklin Institute on this momentous achievement.”

U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah (D-PA-02) said, “The Franklin Institute is the ‘Heart’ of Philadelphia’s amazing museum community. The Franklin has been the cherished destination and learning experience for every boy, girl and parent in our region, usually more than once. I warmly congratulate the Franklin Institute upon this prestigious, richly deserved award of the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service – and I look forward to my family’s next visit.”

General Lew Wallace Study and Museum

“The General Lew Wallace Study and Museum in Crawfordsville is a shining example of how well-preserved history can enrich our communities today. The innovative programs of the Lew Wallace Youth Academy provide a great service to the children of Indiana, creating a unique learning opportunity for middle school students,” said U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN). “The museum is truly a community organization, hosting successful events for all of Montgomery County and taking an active role in the revitalization of downtown Crawfordsville. The General Lew Wallace Study and Museum is a point of pride in Indiana, and I congratulate the museum for this well-deserved honor.”

Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO

“Public libraries are the heart of our communities and through innovative programs like ‘Books to Go’, this institution is not only a central gathering place, but is spreading a love of learning throughout the community,” said U.S. Senator Kit Bond (R-MO). “It is only fitting that Kansas City Public Libraries is recognized for this vital work.”

“It was my great honor to nominate the Kansas City Public Library for this award. Through their efforts they have let loose imaginations, inspired change and become a cornerstone around which our entire community gathers. A city can only be as good as its public libraries, and we all take pride that ours is among America’s very best. My sincere congratulations to Crosby Kemper, all his staff, volunteers and supporters,” said U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-05).

Lower East Side Tenement Museum, New York, NY

“The Lower East Side Tenement Museum is deserving of this high honor. The museum’s programs strive to unite our City’s diverse population by focusing on the shared immigrant experience. Their outreach efforts help recent immigrants forge a new life in New York City, and have brought about a greater understanding of the challenges faced by so many,” said U.S. Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-12).

Miami-Dade Public Library System, Miami, FL

“It is a high honor for the Miami-Dade Public Library System to receive this prestigious award,” said U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL). “They truly deserve this recognition for their commitment to excellence in programming and their dedication to providing programs for everyone, no matter their age or interests.”

“Not only does our library system serve as a venue for learning, researching and cultural enrichment, but also seizes every opportunity to improve the well-being of our neighborhoods and community,” said U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25). “This is a recognition well deserved by the staff and administrators at the Miami-Dade Public Library System.”

“What a great honor for our very own Miami-Dade Public Library System to be awarded this prestigious award,” said U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18). “This is a testament to the marvelous work of the men and women who work in our county libraries. Indeed, a great distinction has been given!”

“Indeed, this is a well-deserved honor for the Miami-Dade Public Library System to be honored the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said U.S. Representative Kendrick Meek (D-FL-17). “Libraries throughout Miami-Dade County have continuously been essential places of opportunity by making the world of information and knowledge accessible to anyone seeking it. This award reflects the life-long learning journey that the Miami-Dade Public Library System has been committed to.”

“I’m so proud that The Miami-Dade Public Library System is receiving national recognition for what South Florida residents have known for a long time; that it is an exceptional library system that enriches our community through its wide variety of programs and events. The library system’s commitment to literacy, outreach, and community involvement is truly exceptional and is part of what makes Miami-Dade County so special,” said U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-20).

Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach, FL

“The Norton Museum of Art is an outstanding institution and contributes greatly to the quality of life in this region,” said U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL). “I congratulate and commend Director Orr-Cahall for her hard work and dedication, bringing together quality collections that inspire, educate, and enhance our community.”

“The museum’s efforts to provide art education to children and young adults is one of the reasons it’s a true asset to our state and community. The legacy of this work will live inside every child who grows up knowing the true wonder of art,” said U.S. Senator. Bill Nelson (D-FL).

“Congratulations to the Norton Museum of Art and Director Dr. Christina Orr-Cahall for this extraordinary accomplishment,” said U.S. Representative Ron Klein (D-FL-22). “The Norton exemplifies the kind of community involvement that the National Medal for Museum and Library Service was designed to recognize. Through their summer internship and after-school programs, the Norton has provided a rich arts education for thousands of young people in Palm Beach County, and few institutions could be more deserving of this prestigious honor.”

Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

“The Skidompha Library is an outstanding library that serves not only as a center of learning, but as a gathering place for residents in the Damariscotta region,” said U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME). “I commend the librarians, administrators, volunteers, and patrons of the library for their hard work to make the Skidompha Library worthy of this prestigious honor.”

“With its rich history and invaluable service to the communities of Damariscotta, Newcastle, Nobleboro and the greater Pemaquid Peninsula, the Skidompha Library greatly deserves this distinguished award,” U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) said. “For over 100 years, this ‘Library with the Curious Name' has encouraged literary appreciation for generations of Mainers and continues to provide superior educational programs and inspire community involvement for readers of all ages. I am thrilled that this unique and historic Maine library has received such a prestigious national distinction and am enthusiastic for the next one hundred years of inspired reading at Skidompha Library.”

“Skidompha Library’s contributions to this community are as creative, diverse, scholarly and fun-loving as its history. For over a century, the people who gave this institution its name, its books, its buildings and its ideals have enriched our lives, and brought this community together. It is no wonder that Skidompha has been awarded this prestigious award,” stated U.S. Representative Tom Allen (D-ME-01).

Skokie Public Library, Skokie, IL

“I’m proud, but not surprised, that the Skokie Public Library was one of only ten institutions in the nation to receive the 2008 National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services,” said U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9). “The Skokie Library is constantly redefining and expanding its role and has become an indispensible part of our community—providing access to information, resources and services that have helped change the lives of local residents. I congratulate the visionary leadership of Carolyn Anthony and her staff. They have created a local treasure and a model for the country. I can’t imagine a more deserving library than the Skokie Library.”

Back to Project Profile