NEWS RELEASE: For Immediate Release
NATHPO Contact: D. Bambi Kraus, (202) 628-8476, bambi@nathpo.org
IMLS Contact: Jeannie Mjoseth, (202) 653-4632, jmjoseth@imls.gov
(Washington, DC-Oct. 9, 2009) - Thanks to a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO) will expand the National Native Museum Training Program. Tribally operated museums are primarily developed with the mission to preserve, perpetuate, and revitalize the cultural and historic heritage of native peoples. NATHPO was awarded $260,498 to be matched by $287,568 in non-federal funds and services and was only one of seven (7) grant awards made in the 21st Century Museum Professionals program.
Funding will provide a variety of training and leadership opportunities for tribal museum professionals over the next two years. NATHPO will offer two technical skills workshops on exhibition development and collections management; two director’s seminars on sustainability and leadership; and six online skills classes on care of photographs, museum store management, pesticides and contaminants, collections databases, museum security, and establishing a tribal museum. Following the completion of the training offerings, NATHPO will publish a compendium of case studies highlighting successful tribal museum practices gleaned from the workshops and seminars. The project will enhance the knowledge and skills of both current and future tribal museum professionals.
"With this support from IMLS, we are excited to continue providing a variety of educational and leadership development opportunities for those committed individuals who work in the field of tribal museums and cultural centers. These cultural institutions play a critical role in tribal communities -- both for local members and for the greater public -- and are an important component of cultural preservation and rejuvenation," stated Bambi Kraus, NATHPO president.
Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director, Institute of Museum and Library Services stated, “The museum field is constantly evolving and changing, and it is important that museum professionals are offered the training they need to not only remain current but also be prepared for the future. 21st Century Museum Professionals grants are awarded to meet these needs by funding classes, collection assessments, and pre-professional training programs for all interested museum employees to ensure a savvy museum workforce.”
21st Century Museum Professional Program
The 21st Century Museum Professionals program supports a range of activities, including professional training in all areas of museum operations and leadership development. Museum professionals need high levels of knowledge and expertise to allow museums to play their essential role in the education of the American public: preserving our rich heritage and transmitting it from one generation to the next. In partnership with schools, community organizations, and other cultural institutions, the 21st Century Museum Professionals program helps museum professionals update their knowledge and skills.
About the IMLS:
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.