The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can
be read on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/081308b.shtm.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2008
IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]
Apply Now to Become a Preserve America Community
Next Quarterly Deadlines: September 1 and December 1, 2008
Community leaders are encouraged to apply for the Preserve America
community designation, which recognizes a community's efforts to care
for and share its cultural and natural heritage. The designation also
makes the community eligible for special federal funding. Preserve
America is a White House initiative conducted in cooperation with the
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and other federal
agencies.* The last two 2008 application periods are September 1 and
December 1. Applications forms are available at
http://www.preserveamerica.gov/communities.html.
Through participation in Preserve America, communities share knowledge
about the nation's past, strengthen local identities and local pride,
increase neighborhood participation in preserving the country's cultural
and natural heritage assets, and support economic vitality.
Once a community receives the Preserve America designation, it is
eligible to apply for Preserve America grants, which may be used for
research and documentation, education and interpretation, planning,
marketing, or training. These grants, which must be matched by the
community, cannot be used for construction or repair projects. Last
year, the government awarded nearly $5 million in federal funding for
Preserve America grants. In 2008, $7.5 million has been made available
for the grants, which range from $20,000 to $150,000.
Other benefits of the designation include:
* White House recognition, a certificate of recognition, and inclusion
in national and regional press releases;
* Official notification of designation to state tourism offices and
visitors bureaus;
* A Preserve America Community road sign and authorization to use the
Preserve America logo on signs, flags, banners, and promotional
materials;
* Listing in a Web-based Preserve America Community directory; and *
Enhanced community visibility and pride.
The Preserve America program was established by the Bush Administration
in 2003 and, so far, Honorary Chair and First Lady Laura Bush has
awarded the designation to more than 600 communities nationwide. This
month, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to
authorize the program permanently.
To win the designation, applicants must submit an application with
written support from community leaders and evidence of cultural or
historic preservation activities. Applicants must be:
* Tribal communities (federally recognized) with an elected governing
official or subdivisions of such tribes. * Municipalities or counties
with an elected governing official, or unincorporated communities within
their jurisdiction;
* Distinct neighborhoods within large cities or city-counties with a
population of 200,000 or greater; or
*Partnering agencies include the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation; the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense,
Education, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Transportation;
the General Services Administration; the National Endowment for the
Humanities; the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities;
and the President's Council on Environmental Quality.
Further information is available at www.preserveamerica.gov.
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 122,000 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.
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