MEDIA ADVISORY
December 15, 2010
Conner Prairie Contact:
Alpha Garrett, garrett@connerprairie.org
317-214-4732
IMLS Contact:
Gina White, gwhite@imls.gov
202-653-4745
Fishers, IN —First Lady Michelle Obama will present a 2010 National Medal for Museum andLibrary Service to Conner Prairie Interactive History Park – one of five museums and five libraries to be honored in a White House ceremony on Friday, December 17. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) gives the award to museums and libraries demonstrating commitment to public service through innovative programs and community partnerships.
Conner Prairie’s President and CEO Ellen M. Rosenthal and Chairman of the Board of Directors Chris Cooke, will attend the White House ceremony accompanied by Indy Reads volunteer Randy French as the museum’s designated community member. Each medal winner was asked to select one community member who could illustrate the institutions’ impact through a personal story. French was an early participant of the program and after his first trip to Conner Prairie, he began helping with planning the outings. Randy also assisted in recruiting other students and eventually became an unofficial guide for new students. He says that learning to read is about more than words in a book but also being an active community member. French regards this as "… incredible, a chance of a lifetime. I am so thankful for Indy Reads and Conner Prairie for inviting me to a part of such an inspiring organization."
Conner Prairie will receive a $10,000 prize along with the other winners to help raise public awareness of the good work the institutions are doing in their communities.
The following museums and libraries are winners of the 2010 National Medal. To learn more about the institutions, please click on the winners’ names:
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Fishers, IN
Explora, Albuquerque, NM
Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, CA
Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, MS
The New York Botanical Garden, New York, NY
Nashville Public Library, Nashville, TN
Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue, NY
Peter White Public Library, Marquette, MI
Rangeview Library District and Anythink Libraries, Adams County, CO
West Bloomfield Township Public Library, West Bloomfield Township, MI
Members of the press who would like to interview award recipients one-on-one can arrange an interview by contacting Gina White (gwhite@imls.gov; 202-653-4757).
The National Award for Museum Service was established in 1994, and the National Award for Library Service in 2000. Recipients of the awards are chosen for their innovative approaches to public service, and for their success in improving communities and making a difference in people’s lives. All types of museums, from anthropological to zoological, fine art to folk art, rural, large, and small are eligible for the award. Public and private nonprofit libraries are eligible to receive the award, and nomination of libraries of all sizes is encouraged.
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.
About Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, created by Eli Lilly in 1934, is Indiana’s only Smithsonian Affiliate and a 2010 Institute of Museum and Library Services National medal award recipient. Families of today engage, explore and discover what it was like to live and play in Indiana’s past. Explore five themed historic areas on 200 beautiful, wooded acres including the newest exhibits, 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana and 1859 Balloon Voyage that takes guests 350 feet above the prairie in a tethered helium balloon. Every visit is a unique adventure that provides an authentic look into the history that shapes us today. Visit connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836 for admission dates, hours and ticket prices. Connect with Conner Prairie on Facebook at facebook.com/connerprairie, Flickr at flickr.com/people/connerprairie, YouTube at youtube.com/user/ConnerPrairie and Twitter at twitter.com/connerprairie.
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