JANM RECEIVES IMLS NATIONAL MEDAL, HIGHEST HONOR FOR AMERICAN MUSEUMS, LIBRARIES

The Board of Trustees of the Japanese American National Museum is proud to accept the 2010 Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS) National Medal, one of only 10 institutions and one of only four museums nationally to be recognized by IMLS this year.

The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is America’s highest honor for museums and libraries across the country. Institutions are presented with the National Medal by IMLS in recognition for their "extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions." The National Medal for Museum and Library Service was created to underscore the important role played by these institutions throughout the nation.

The Japanese American National Museum, currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary since its incorporation in 1985, is a private, nonprofit national educational institution dedicated to promoting greater understanding and appreciation for America’s ethnic and cultural diversity through the lens of the Japanese American experience. Besides creating landmark exhibitions, innovative public program and one-of-kind events, the National Museum has worked directly with educators and teachers to develop curriculum that highlights America’s diversity.

"The Japanese American National Museum is honored to be recognized by IMLS with its National Medal," stated Akemi Kikumura Yano, President & CEO of the National Museum. "To be singled out by IMLS from among the many thousands of institutions in the United States is a tribute to our founders, our leadership, our staff, our volunteers, and our supporters who all give of themselves to fulfill our mission. We are grateful to IMLS and this honor will inspire us to do more."

The National Museum will accept its National Medal in ceremonies in Washington, D.C. It will be the recipient of $10,000 plus a visit from StoryCorps, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans from all backgrounds and beliefs. StoryCorps will interview supporters of the National Museum as part of the documentation process.

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.

Besides the Japanese American National Museum, other 2010 National Medal awardees include the Connor Interactive History Park, Inc. (Fisher, Indiana); Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum (Albuquerque, New Mexico); Mississippi Museum of Art (Jackson, Mississippi); Nashville Public Library (Nashville, Tennessee); The New York Botanical Garden (New York, N.Y.); Patchoque-Medford Library (Patchoque, New York); Peter White Library (Marquette, Michigan); Rangeview Library District and Anythink Libraries (Adams County, Colorado); and, West Bloomfield Township Public Library (West Bloomfield Township, Michigan).

The Japanese American National Museum is only the fourth institution in California to receive the National Medal and is only the second museum. IMLS has been recognizing museums and libraries with this award since 1994. For more information on IMLS, go to http://www.imls.gov/.