Michelle Obama to Present Top Museum Award to Explora

12-15-2010

 

White House Ceremony also honors community member Sara Keeney

Albuquerque, NM —First Lady Michelle Obama will present a 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to Explora – one of five museums and five libraries to be honored in a White House ceremony on Friday, December 17. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) gives the award to museums and libraries demonstrating commitment to public service through innovative programs and community partnerships. 

Explora will receive a $10,000 prize along with the other winners to help raise public awareness of the good work the institutions are doing in their communities.

The following museums and libraries are winners of the 2010 National Medal.  To learn more about the institutions, please click on the winners’ names:

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Fishers, IN

Explora, Albuquerque, NM

Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, CA

Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, MS

The New York Botanical Garden, New York, NY

Nashville Public Library, Nashville, TN

Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue, NY

Peter White Public Library, Marquette, MI

Rangeview Library District and Anythink Libraries, Adams County, CO

West Bloomfield Township Public Library, West Bloomfield Township, MI

 

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 people’s lives.  All types of museums, from anthropological to zoological, fine art to folk art, rural, large, and small are eligible for the award. Public and private nonprofit libraries are eligible to receive the award, and nomination of libraries of all sizes is 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.

About Explora

Explora is a new kind of learning place, providing real experiences with real things that put people's learning in their own hands. Explora is a place where families can learn together through 250 experiential exhibit activities in science, technology and art for people of all ages.

Explora is located at 1701 Mountain Road, NW near Albuquerque's historic Old Town.

Hours:  Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Sunday 12 noon – 6:00pm.

Please visit www.explora.us.

 

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