MANY/IMLS “Building Capacity, Creating Sustainability, Growing Accessibility” Press Release 2020
The Bundy Museum of History & Art selected as a Museum Association of New York Museum partner for “Building Capacity, Creating Sustainability, Growing Accessibility.”
The Bundy Museum of History & Art selected as a Museum Association of New York Museum partner for “Building Capacity, Creating Sustainability, Growing Accessibility.”
The Museum Association of New York (MANY) is thrilled to announce that 96 museums from across New York State have been selected to participate in “Building Capacity, Creating Sustainability, Growing Accessibility”, an IMLS CARES Act grant project designed to help museums impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic share their collections and reach audiences who cannot physically visit their museums. 200 museum staff across the state will be trained to use new hardware and software to develop programs that will engage their communities and reach new audiences.
“We are honored to be awarded IMLS CARES act funding and excited to be able to make an impact on the work of our colleagues and their museums across New York State,” said Erika Sanger, MANY Executive Director. “We are living in an age of transition, experience a radical shift in our ways of learning and communicating. The group selected captures the diversity of our shared history in NY and our nation. The stories embodied in the museums’ collections and the storytelling talents of their interpretive staff are the heart of the project.”
In this two-year program, museums will identify a program to virtually deliver to their audiences, focusing on developing programs from stories found in their collections that reveal cultural and racial diversity in their communities.
“The Bundy Museum is ready to start creating engaging new programming for our community with help from MANY and IMLS,” said Janna Rudler, Development Director for The Bundy. “From the historic Bundy House, to a collection of early IBM timeclocks, and a blossoming collection of local art, we’ve got dozens of objects with stories that are just dying to be told. Two of our talented staff members were chosen to participate, and not only is this a fantastic professional development opportunity for them, but it’s their chance to dive into our collections, extract those untold stories, and turn them into new and exciting programs on local history.”
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [CAGML-246991-OMLS-20]. "As pillars of our communities, libraries and museums bring people together by providing important programs, services, and collections. These institutions are trusted spaces where people can learn, explore and grow,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “IMLS is proud to support their initiatives through our grants as they educate and enhance their communities."
About IMLS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums and related organizations. The agency’s mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Its grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About MANY
The Museum Association of New York inspires, connects, and strengthens New York’s cultural community statewide by advocating, educating, collaborating, and supporting professional standards and organizational development. MANY ensures that New York State museums operate at their full potential as economic drivers and essential components of their communities. To learn more, visit www.nysmuseums.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About The Bundy Museum of History and Art
Since 2004, The Bundy Museum has introduced visitors to the little-known, early history of local company IBM through guided tours of the historic Harlow E. Bundy House. Galleries of local art, intriguing exhibits, a community darkroom, and its own LP radio station help the museum serve its community with enriching, engaging programs, services, and events. Bundymuseum.org.
The Bundy Museum of History & Art
129 Main St. Binghamton, NY 13905