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The Children’s Museum of Manhattan recognized as a Finalist for 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service

Public encouraged to share stories of institution’s excellence on IMLS Facebook page during March, April

New York, NY (March 20, 2017) – The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) today announced that the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (212 W. 83rd Street) is one of 30 finalists for the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. As the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community, the award celebrates institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.

“The 2017 National Medal Finalists represent the leading museums and libraries that serve as catalysts for change in their communities,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “It is our honor to recognize 30 notable institutions for their commitment to providing programs and services that improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. We salute them and their valuable work in providing educational opportunities to their community and celebrate the power libraries and museums can have across the country.”

“This recognition is an honor for our institution,” noted Andrew S. Ackerman, executive director of the Children’s Museum. “IMLS support has been integral in helping us to serve our community and remove barriers to museum access. Our first Health and Learning Hub was developed with funding from IMLS. Today, there are Hubs in 24 Head Start Centers and homeless shelters across the city. We bring colorful graphics and interactive exhibit components from our ‘EatSleepPlay™’ and ‘PlayWorks™’ exhibitions into barren, uninspiring locations and transform them into joyful spaces that encourage healthy lifestyles and a love of learning.”

For more than 40 years, the Children’s Museum has created exhibitions and offered programs celebrating New York City’s multi-cultural communities. “For many families, a visit to the Children’s Museum may be their first visit to a museum,” said halley k harrisburg, chair of the Children’s Museum’s board of directors. “Our exhibitions are designed, and our programs are curated, to engage families in the arts and diverse cultures. In a single day, families can visit our ‘America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far’ and ‘Hello from Japan!’ exhibitions, enjoy holiday programming, and even participate in art-making, dance and musical performances featuring local artists.”

National Medal Finalists are chosen because of their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. The Children’s Museum and IMLS are encouraging community members who visit, or have visited, the Museum to share their story on the IMLS Facebook page. To Share Your Story and learn more about how these institutions make an impact, please visit www.facebook.com/USIMLS.

The National Medal winners will be announced later this spring. Representatives from winning institutions will travel to Washington, D.C., to be honored at the National Medal award ceremony.

To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit www.imls.gov/2017-medals.

About the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) does what is good for children. By creating experiences at the intersection of the arts, sciences and the humanities, CMOM helps children and families thrive at home, at school, and in the community. Based on research, evaluation, and testing, our programs and exhibits are designed to address the multiple ways children learn and to help parents understand and support their children’s development. The Museum’s special areas of focus—selected for their ability to benefit children throughout their lives—include early childhood education, creativity, health and world cultures.

Founded in 1973 as a grassroots, neighborhood organization to help bring the arts to New York City public schools, the Children’s Museum is committed to serving a diverse audience. As a citywide resource and a destination for visitors from around the world, each year more than 350,000 people visit our 38,000 square-foot learning facility on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Thousands more benefit from our outreach programs at schools, libraries, homeless shelters, Head Start Centers and hospitals. www.cmom.org

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and approximately 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.