A big congratulations to the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, which has been announced as one of the five museums and five libraries selected to receive 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Oh, you didn't know such an award existed? It does, and it's special.The National Medal is the nation's highest honor for museums and libraries that make extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions. Here's the press release from the nstitute of Museum and Library Services: Five Museums and Five Libraries to Receive Nation's Highest Honor.
For the full list of winners of the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, go here. In addition to the National Medal, which will be awarded in an upcoming ceremony in Washington D.C., each institution receives a $10,000 award and visit from StoryCorps. For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, go to the JANM website here.
"This year's National Medal winners are serving their communities with innovative and creative new approaches to lifelong learning, commitment to addressing diverse community needs, plain old hard work, and a lot of heart," said IMLS Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel. "Many of our winners have evolved and grown despite tremendous challenges - all to empower and enrich the lives of their community members by cultivating collaboration and openness. I am deeply appreciative of their efforts to make a difference. They serve as the nation's role models."
As the primary source of federal funding for the nation's museums and libraries, the Institute has a unique perspective on the vital role these institutions play in American society. The National Medal for Museum and Library Service was created to underscore that role. The winners are as diverse as the nation's cultural landscape: small and large, urban and rural. They have one thing in common: they have developed innovative ways to serve their communities.