Washington, DC—First Lady Michelle Obama will present the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to five museums and five libraries during an awards ceremony at 10:30 am on Friday, December 17 at the White House. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries conferred annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to institutions that have demonstrated a long-term commitment to public service through innovative programs and community partnerships.
The event is OPEN PRESS, but space is limited. Media wishing to cover the ceremony must contact firstladypress@who.eop.gov by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, December 15 at 5:00 PM. Press that do not have a White House hard pass must also submit their full name, media outlet, date of birth, social security number, phone number and e-mail with their RSVP.
The event is OPEN PRESS, but space is limited. Media wishing to cover the ceremony must contact firstladypress@who.eop.gov by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, December 15 at 5:00 PM. Press that do not have a White House hard pass must also submit their full name, media outlet, date of birth, social security number, phone number and e-mail with their RSVP.
Representatives from the award-winning museums and libraries will attend the ceremony accompanied by a community member, selected by the winners because they have a personal story to tell about the impact and influence of the institution. The winners will also receive a $10,000 award to continue the good work they are doing in their communities, and a visit from StoryCorps.
The following museums and libraries are winners of the 2010 National Medal. To learn more about the institutions, please click on the winners’ names:
1. Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Fishers, IN
2. Explora, Albuquerque, NM
3. Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, CA
4. Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, MS
5. Nashville Public Library, Nashville, TN
6. The New York Botanical Garden, New York, NY
7. Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue, NY
8. Peter White Public Library, Marquette, MI
9. Rangeview Library District and Anythink Libraries, Adams County, CO
10. West Bloomfield Township Public Library, West Bloomfield Township, MI
Members of the press who would like to interview award recipients one-on-one can arrange an interview by contacting Gina White (gwhite@imls.gov, 202-653-4745).
The National Award for Museum Service was established in 1994, and the National Award for Library Service in 2000. Recipients of the awards are chosen for their innovative approaches to public service, and for their success in improving communities and making a difference in peoples’ lives. All types of museums, from anthropological to zoological, fine art to folk art, large, and small are eligible for the award. Public and private nonprofit libraries are eligible to receive this award, and nominations of libraries of all sizes are encouraged.
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.