JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM ONLY LOS ANGELES-BASED MUSEUM TO RECEIVE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM & LIBRARY SERVICE GRANT

LOS ANGELES.—The Japanese American National Museum was the only Los Angeles-based museum to receive a General Operating Support grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and one of only 177 museums to earn this support from over 800 applications, the IMLS announced.

The IMLS is a federal agency that supports the nation’s 15,000 museums and 112,000 libraries nationally. Its General Operating Support grants are awarded on the basis of merit and over 500 museum professionals reviewed the 823 applications in this round of grants. Applicants must demonstrate the highest standards in 10 areas involving every aspect of their operations from collections care to security, from public education programs to exhibits.

“Since 1978, IMLS General Operating Support has taken a substantial role in encouraging the best in museum practice,” explained Beverly Sheppard, Acting Director of IMLS. “The grants provide national recognition for museums that have the highest approval of their peers. It is a stamp of achievement that sparks vital public-private partnerships. Museums use these awards to do what they do best: educate, fascinate, inspire, illuminate, inform, enhance and enrich the lives of millions of visitors each year.”

The Japanese American National Museum received high marks for collections, exhibitions, audience retention and several other categories. Its exhibitions were described as reflecting “serious thought and consideration” and were lauded for demonstrating a “good collaborative effort.” It also was recognized for having an “excellently educated, experienced, able and diverse” senior staff and for utilizing “an excellent board and committee structure.” It was also noted that “Volunteer support nationwide is impressive.”

A total of $15,270,000 was awarded through 177 grants. The Japanese American National Museum received a grant of $112,500, which will be used to support the institution in 2000, 2001 and 2002.

Said Irene Y. Hirano, Executive Director and President of the Japanese American National Museum, “We are honored that our institution has been recognized by the Institute of Museum and Library Services in this manner. The grant will be used to support family programs, visitor services, exhibitions and educational programs. Equally significant, the grant itself is important recognition for the accomplishments of our National Museum. IMLS grants are considered marks of excellence in our field, and we appreciate their assessment of our institution.”

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is a federal grantmaking agency located in Washington, D.C. that fosters leadership, innovation and a lifetime of learning by supporting museums and libraries.

The Japanese American National Museum's mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of America's ethnic and cultural diversity by preserving and telling the story of Americans of Japanese ancestry. The National Museum has members in all 50 states and in 16 different countries. It has traveled exhibits nationwide and even worldwide, collaborated with other historical and cultural organizations in a multitude of projects and developed a Japanese American curriculum for use in public schools. It is an official affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

For more information on the Japanese American National Museum, please call 213.625.0414.

###