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/2009/101609a.shtm FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 16, 2009 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 Steward Next Deadline: December 1, 2009 Washington, DC-Organizations with volunteer programs that focus on preserving our heritage are encouraged to apply for designation as Preserve America Stewards. The next quarterly deadline for submitting applications to the Preserve America Stewards program is December 1, 2009. Preserve America Stewards, part of the federal Preserve America initiative, is conducted in cooperation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and other federal agencies.* An application form and further information are available at http://www.preserveamerica.gov/stewards.html. Preserve America Stewards receive a designation letter and certificate of recognition signed by First Lady Michelle Obama. Other benefits include authorization to use the Preserve America logo in public outreach and promotional activities, listing in a Web-based Preserve America Stewards directory, and publicity in the Preserve America e-newsletter. To date, programs have been recognized for a wide range of volunteer efforts, including preservation and interpretation of historic buildings and districts, archaeological site monitoring, historic lighthouse preservation, and historic cemetery preservation. Designated Preserve America Stewards include the Oberlin Heritage Center in Oberlin, Ohio; the InfoAge Science-History Center in Wall Township, New Jersey; the Glasco Community Foundation in Glasco, Kansas; and the U.S. Lighthouse Society, which was recognized for its preservation of the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse in Maryland. To be designated, applicants must demonstrate that their programs: * provide volunteers with opportunities to contribute in direct and tangible ways to the preservation, protection, and promotion of historic properties; * address an otherwise unfilled need in heritage preservation through the use of volunteer efforts; and * demonstrate innovative and creative use of volunteer assistance in areas such as youth involvement, volunteer training, public education, and public/private partnerships. Non-profit organizations, government entities (federal, state, local, or tribal), and businesses are eligible to seek designation for their programs. *Partnering agencies include 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. 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).