On May 8, First Lady Michelle Obama joined Institute of Museum and Library Services Director Susan H. Hildreth to present the 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to 10 exceptional museums and libraries in the East Room of the White House. The ceremony marked the 20th anniversary year of the National Medal honoring outstanding institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.
The award is bestowed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The First Lady noted the valuable contributions of the award-winning museums and libraries, saying, “You all are redefining what it means to lead a museum or library in the 21st century. All across the country from Brooklyn, New York, to Independence, Missouri, to Gallup, New Mexico you all are putting your programs and exhibitions up to help us expand our horizons and connect us with the rest of the world.”
SDI coordinated communications for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, working with directors and community members from each institution to help them spread the word about winning the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries. SDI also assists IMLS in promoting events and highlights the achievements of grant recipients by writing “Project Profiles” for the IMLS website each month.