Institute Of Museum Services Awards $112,500 Grant To Japanese American National Museum

The Japanese American National Museum was awarded a $112,500 General Operating Support Grant by the Institute of Museum Services (IMS), a Federal agency that strengthens museums to benefit the public.

The Museum was one of 953 institutions nationally to apply for grant money. Out of those applicants, 192 received awards totaling over $15 million. Those institutions that qualified have demonstrated outstanding performance in all areas of museum operations, the IMS explained. To apply, each museum must perform a complete self-evaluation involving every aspect of their operation from collections care and maintenance to educational programs and exhibits. Applications are evaluated by peer reviewers, professionals in the museum field with an average of 13 years of experience.

Irene Hirano, President and Executive Director of the Museum, expressed her appreciation for the award. “We are honored to receive this prestigious grant from the IMS which will strengthen the Museum’s organizational capacity to provide educational programs,” she said. “We are fortunate to have a team of talented and dedicated staff and volunteers whose accomplishments are recognized by this grant award.”

The Japanese American National Museum, incorporated in 1985, opened its doors to its historic site in downtown Los Angeles in 1992. The only private nonprofit national institution dedicated to preserving and telling the story of Japanese Americans as an integral part of U.S. history, the Museum has opened major exhibitions and traveled shows nationally and internationally, collaborated with regional historical groups to produce landmark displays, hosted conferences, and one-of-a-kind special events and created hundreds of public programs, including lectures, panel discussions, book readings, and live performances.

General Operating Support is the Institute of Museum Services’ top priority program. Operating support is continually cited as the most difficult type of funding for museums to raise. These grants are nationally recognized achievements of excellence that help recipients to leverage private funds.

The Institute of Museum Services has supported museums’ educational role through grant programs since 1976. The grant program encourages outstanding museum management and comprehensive collections care practices. IMS remains the sole Federal source of operating support for museums and educational institutions.

For more information on the Institute of Museum Services, contact Tania Said at (202) 606-4646. For more information on the Japanese American National Museum, call (213) 625-0414.