by Amanda Lima, Communications Specialist
The Amistad Research Center is among 30 finalists for the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, which is awarded annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Amistad is the only institution in Louisiana to be selected as a finalist for this award.
“The Amistad Research Center is honored to be a finalist for the prestigious 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said its executive director, Dr. Kara Tucina Olidge. “As the only finalist institution in the state, this honor also belongs to Louisiana. We at Amistad pride ourselves on our extraordinary service to our patrons, a service that is intergenerational and diverse, which are hallmark aspects of great library and museum service. Amistad was founded in 1966 during the civil rights movement, an important and pivotal time for the United States. We value being seen by IMLS and recognized by our colleagues; it speaks to the relevance of the Amistad Research Center as our nation continues to address matters of equity and inclusion.”
The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. “So many museums, so many libraries have done such good work over the last two very difficult years. We are proud to present the 30 finalists for the IMLS National Medal,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “Their work is emblematic of the response of the library and museum worlds to simultaneously fulfilling their mission and serving their communities.”
To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging the Amistad Research Center’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals hashtags, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.
National Medal winners will be announced in early June. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during a virtual National Medal Ceremony this summer.
To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. They advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. The Institute of Museum and Library Services’ vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
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