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 viewed on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/050109.shtm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 1, 2009

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

Institute of Museum and Library Services Awards Almost $3 Million to
Support Conservation Efforts at Nation's Museums 

Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
announced today the 35 recipients of $2,994,748 million in Conservation
Project Support (CPS) grants. These grants are awarded to museums that
are committed to identifying conservation needs and priorities, and
performing activities to ensure the safekeeping of their collections.
 
"These 35 museums, by preserving and conserving their collections, are
ensuring the longevity of our nation's treasures for the education and
enjoyment of all Americans," said Anne-Imelda Radice, Director, IMLS.
"IMLS is proud to be a part of their efforts." 

This year, the Institute received 129 applications from museums across
the country that aspire to develop and implement a logical,
institution-wide approach to caring for their living and material
collections, and have identified a project that meets one of their
highest conservation needs. Of these applicants, the 35 awarded
institutions plan to delve into a wide range of conservation projects,
including: 

* The purchase and installation of programmable central control for
water management of The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens' living plant
collections. This project is part of the garden's environmental
sustainability initiative and will reduce water usage by 25 percent over
the current manual system. 

* The completion of a general conservation survey of The Toledo Museum
of Art's art and archive collections. Results of the survey will provide
information to implement the first museum-wide conservation plan, using
a holistic assessment of conservation activity to inform museum staff of
what measures need to be taken to streamline management and conservation
efforts.

* The purchase and installation of new compact storage units for
approximately 36,000 botany and 250,000 entomology specimens at the
Museum of Northern Arizona. Activities will include updating of
botanical scientific names following modern taxonomic standards,
construction of archival storage containers for at-risk specimens in
acidic bags and boxes, inspection and freezing of specimens to deter
pests, and updating the collections database for better access.

* The conservation of the most important Renaissance tapestry in The
Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Rochester's permanent
collection, Trellised Garden with Animals. The project comprises
treatment, research, publication-grade photography, and preparation of
materials for use by the education department. 

* The purchase and installation of a humidity control system for the
Mammoth Site of Hot Springs' site enclosure. The museum is built over a
Pleistocene sinkhole and preserves the remains of numerous animals that
wandered the South Dakota landscape about 27,000 years ago. The building
enclosing the bone bed protects the bones, tusks, and other specimens
from the elements so they can remain where they were discovered and
continue to inspire wonder in visitors and researchers alike.

Please go to http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/050109_list.shtm for the full
list of CPS grantees and descriptions of their grants. 

IMLS would also like to acknowledge the participants in this year's
Conservation Assessment Program, which is funded by an IMLS grant and
administered by the Heritage Preservation
(www.heritagepreservation.org/CAP/09recipients.html).

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.

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