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/2008/061308.shtm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2008

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask]


IMLS Director Visits Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts

Washington, DC- Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of the Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS), visited the Conservation Center for
Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) in Philadelphia on June 10 to
celebrate Pennsylvania's Connecting to Collections State Planning Grant
program. These IMLS grants aim to foster partnerships among
organizations in states for such activities as providing safe conditions
for their collections, developing an emergency plan, assigning
responsibility for collections care, and marshalling support for and
raising public awareness about collections care.

"Many of you who are here today work in libraries, museums, archives,
and historical organizations and have been the recipients of IMLS
funding," said Ingrid Bogel, CCAHA Executive Director. "Without this
important source of support, our work would be much more difficult. We
are all extremely grateful to Dr. Radice and the hardworking staff at
IMLS." 

"I have great respect for conservators and for the field of
conservation," Radice said. "I understand that this initiative will be a
great undertaking for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I trust that
under the capable direction of Ingrid Bogel, and with the help of all of
you, this program will flourish." 

CCAHA will share leadership of this project with three other key
organizations: the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the
Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations, and
PALINET, a cooperative membership organization of libraries, information
centers, museums, and archives. On June 19, these four groups will meet
with 12 stakeholder organizations, representing almost 4,000
institutions, to discuss plans to survey collecting organizations
throughout the state and to hold four focus groups in different parts of
the state. The results of the survey and focus groups will serve as the
basis for drafting a preservation plan for collections.
 
"Dr. Radice's commitment to and passion for the preservation of our
nation's cultural heritage is exemplary," said Debra Hess Norris, CCAHA
Board Chair and Chairperson of the Art Conservation Department at the
University of Delaware. "We are grateful for her visionary leadership of
the IMLS and for Connecting to Collections: A Call for Action, an
initiative that will ensure that at-risk collections housed in museum
and libraries throughout the United States are preserved for the
enrichment of future generations."


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.

About the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts
The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Philadelphia
is one of the largest regional conservation laboratories in the country.
Its mission is to provide expertise and leadership in the preservation
of the world's cultural heritage. CCAHA, a non-profit organization,
specializes in the treatment of works of art and artifacts on paper,
such as drawings, prints, maps, posters, historic wallpaper,
photographs, rare books, scrapbooks, and manuscripts, as well as related
materials such as parchment and papyrus. CCAHA also offers on site
consultation services, educational programs and seminars, internships,
and emergency conservation services. For more information go to:
http://www.ccaha.org.

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