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/2009/041409.shtm Photos are also available for download at the same link. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2009 Press Contacts 202-653-4632 Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask] Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask] IMLS Celebrates National Library Week Director Tours Historical Treasures Found at Capitol Hill Middle School Washington, DC-In honor of National Library Week, Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), toured the newly-created archives at the Stuart-Hobson Middle School on Capitol Hill on April 14. The historical treasures, including irreplaceable PTA scrapbooks, historical photos, and roll books dating from 1926 to 1967, were re-discovered during the 2006 renovation of the school library. After the tour, Radice joined the students and others in burying a time capsule containing essays on the students' hopes and dreams as a "letter to the future celebrating the letters from the past." The project was funded by the District of Columbia Public Library through a grant from IMLS. "I share the students' excitement about the archives and the stories they tell about students from long ago. The students' connection to the school's past, and to their own place in history, highlights the value of these archival documents, photos, and other items. I am proud that IMLS is able to support the school and student efforts to preserve these community treasures for future generations." At the event, School Archivists Satu Haase-Webb and Elizabeth Behrendt talked about working with students to organize, clean, order, and catalog the archives. Students explained how they have used the archives for their National History Day projects to answer questions such as how did integration happen at the previously all-white school and what was World War II like for students. All upper grade students of the middle school have been involved in this project. Eighth graders now have carefully sorted and labeled documentation to work from when writing about their school's history. These students have also been trained in how to clip news articles for posterity, and are examining the "The Washington Post" and "The Washington Times" daily to find, save and archive articles about their school and the full Capitol Hill Cluster School consortium. Students, trained in the techniques of conducting oral history interviews, have also met and interviewed people in the community with historical ties to the school. The Stuart Junior High School was built on Capitol Hill in the 1920s for white students only. In 1954, District public schools were integrated in response to the Bolling v. Sharpe decision handed down at the same time as the Brown v. Board of Education decision. These changes and other aspects of the neighborhood's rich history are reflected in the archives. 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. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).