Prestigious federal grant boosts Museum's natural science education programs

September 27, 2002
For Immediate Release
For education or arts editors
Contacts: Karen Kemp (919) 733-7450, ext. 304

More North Carolina students will learn from natural science educational programs, thanks to a $112,500 grant awarded this week to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The two-year grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provides general operating support for Museum programs.

“This is a very competitive grant,” said Museum Director Betsy Bennett. “We are proud to receive it. During the state’s budget crunch, grant funds such as these are more critical than ever, as the Museum works to continue offering high-quality programs for Museum visitors, students and educators across the state.”

The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences will use the grant funds to support statewide services, such as “Live From the Museum” distance learning programs, Spanish language programs and Web site activities. The funds also will help strengthen development and fund-raising aimed efforts aimed at creating new programs and improving the Museum’s long-term sustainability.

“General Operating Support grants are only given to museums that have the highest approval rating of their peers,” said IMLS Director Robert S. Martin. “A museum must excel in every aspect of its operations, from collections’ care to public outreach. The recipients are, indeed, among the best museums in the nation.” IMLS awarded $15.5 million in operating grants to 179 museums across the country. About 800 institutions of all sizes and disciplines applied for the funds this year.

Each applicant performs a self-evaluation, involving every aspect of operations from collection care and maintenance to educational programs and exhibits. Professionals in the museum field who have an average of 13 years of experience evaluate each application. Other North Carolina institutions that received IMLS grants are: Ackland Art Museum and North Carolina Botanical Garden, both of Chapel Hill, and Health Adventure of Asheville.

IMLS is a federal grant-making agency that promotes leadership, innovation, and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation’s museums and libraries. For more information contact IMLS at 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C., phone 202/606-8536, or http://www.imls.gov.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the web at www.naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.

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