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 February 2007 Regional Information Sessions to Spread Awareness & Invite Participation
Contact: William Billingsley, Executive Director Association of African American Museums billingsley@blackmuseums.org 937-376-4944, ext. 123 Wilberforce, Ohio – As the popularity and cultural impact of African American museums and cultural centers continues to grow, the Association of African American Museums (AAAM) is launching a comprehensive survey to identify these institutions and document their distinct programs, collections and services. The survey project, funded by a $113,760 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), begins with a series of informational meetings the AAAM will host throughout the U.S. Dates and locations of these meetings can be seen on the AAAM web site http://www.blackmuseums.org. When the survey is complete in 2008, the Association will produce a "National Profile of African American Museums," and establish an online database of institutions and collections related to the heritage of the Black experience. No such resource or information database exists today. "A National Profile will provide our Association with an opportunity to identify the many African American museums that exist in the U.S. and to organize critical information in one database that will be used to benefit everyone in the museum field," stated Dr. Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr., President of AAAM. To succeed in creating this comprehensive resource and profile, the AAAM is relying on the willingness of its members and others within the African American history, arts and culture community to proactively support and promote the survey initiative. "We know of about 400-500 institutions today, but this is just the tip of the iceberg compared to what institutions and materials are out there," observed William Billingsley, AAAM Executive Director. "We will benefit greatly by spreading the word and seeking to include as many organizations as possible. We have an outstanding network of connected people and facilities, and will build on that to cast a wide net with the survey," he added. In addition to establishing a national database of institutions and collections, the AAAM will create a nationwide plan to more effectively address the needs of African American historical and cultural institutions through professional training and development. The IMLS funding will support the design, testing, and implementation of the survey, and the planned database and publication of a directory of African American historical and cultural institutions. About the Association of African American Museums (http://www.blackmuseums.org) AAAM is a non-profit member organization established to support African and African American focus museums nationally and internationally, as well as the professionals who protect, preserve and interpret African and African American art, history and culture. About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (http://www.imls.gov) IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its mission is to grow and sustain a "Nation of Learners" because life-long learning is essential to a democratic society and individual success. Through its grant making, convenings, research and publications, the Institute empowers museums and libraries nationwide to provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and communities, sustain cultural heritage, build twenty-first-century skills, and increase civic participation. In 2003, the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act authorized IMLS, in consultation with the Council and Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAHHC), to create a new grant program to strengthen African American museum services. Museum Grants for African American History and Culture are intended to build professional capacity in the African American museum community. They provide opportunities for African American museums to design projects that will enhance institutional capacity and sustainability through professional training, networking and mentoring opportunities, technical assistance, outside expertise, and other tools. ###  |
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