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/2008/070208b.shtm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2008

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632

Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]

IMLS Hosts Second Convening of Grantees from the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture

This summer, the Association of African American Museums (AAAM) will issue the first comprehensive directory of African American museums in the United States. The directory is one result of a national survey funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through its Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program (AAHC). The survey will also be used to produce a report that will guide professional training and development activities for African American museums nationwide, according to Shirl Spicer, Secretary of AAAM Board of Directors. 

The AAAM project was one of 16 grant presentations made at a June 19-20 convening of AAHC grant recipients held at IMLS's Washington, D.C. offices. IMLS sponsored the convening to provide AAHC grantees an opportunity to share challenges, lessons learned and best practices. 

"Museum directors and staff have so much insight and expertise to share. The convening provides an opportunity for representatives to sit down with each other, away from pressing daily responsibilities, and participate in an intensive knowledge sharing experience," said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of IMLS. 

At the meeting, museum leaders discussed projects that are enhancing the institutional capacity of African American museums, helping to create new networks, and increasing the numbers of trained staff.

Dina Bailey, for example, joined the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, as a Curatorial Fellow in the Museum Science Apprenticeship Program. Bailey, a former high school teacher, has had the opportunity to work with exhibits, the Center's collections, and its educational programs.  

"We feel blessed to have such a talented young professional on our staff and are proud of our relationship with IMLS. The Freedom Center sees the benefits of our relationship on a daily basis in this effort to attract and retain new staff to the museum profession," said Chris Shires, Director of the Freedom Center's Exhibitions, Education, and Programs. 

The AAHC program, launched in 2006, builds professional capacity in the African American museum community. The initiative provides opportunities for African American museums to design projects that will enhance institutional capacity and sustainability by utilizing professional training, technical assistance, internships, outside expertise, and other tools. 

The grant program was authorized by the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act in consultation with the Council and Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAHHC).  IMLS and the Museum have worked closely together in developing and publicizing the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program.

"What we have in common is the opportunity to help America bridge the chasm of race and culture," said Keynote Speaker Lonnie G. Bunch, III, founding NMAHHC director at the Smithsonian Museum. "We can help America find its way home by truly understanding its past."

The 2008 Museum Grants for African American History and Culture will be announced later this summer. 

For a list of 2006 AAHC grants, please click here: http://www.imls.gov/news/2006/092806_list.shtm. 
For a list of 2007 AAHC grants, please click here: http://www.imls.gov/news/2007/072607_list.shtm.

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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