TUCSON, AZ—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum of Tucson, Arizona today as one of 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Over the past 30 years, the award has celebrated institutions that are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.  

 

“IMLS is delighted to announce the 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said IMLS Acting Director Cyndee Landrum. “These institutions and their dedicated staff are stepping up to anticipate and meet the needs of their individual communities. From New York to Arizona, these 10 recipients are unparalleled sources of education, health, jobs, and cultural resources, bridging the gaps of distance, resources, and experience for community members. We look forward to honoring their accomplishments in Washington, DC, this summer!”

 

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum and art institute focused on the Sonoran Desert, the most biodiverse desert in North America. Over its 72-year history the Museum has collaborated with communities across the region on research, education, conservation and exhibits. A visit to the Museum serves as both an introduction to the Sonoran Desert for newcomers, and an inspiration for more sustainable desert living for residents. About 20,000 local school children benefit from programs and field trips tailored to their curricula each year. The Museum’s current conservation programs focus on endangered aquatic species, invasive species, pollinators and food systems.

 

Selected from 30 national finalists, the 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service represent institutions that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service. Through their community outreach, these institutions bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and helps communities thrive.

 

“The Desert Museum's selection as a National Medal recipient is extremely meaningful to our staff, Trustees, volunteers and other supporters,” said Executive Director Craig Ivanyi. “It provides recognition for decades of work with regional communities, and inspiration to continue to foster partnerships that will increase accessibility, enhance mutual benefit, and achieve greater mission impact into the future.”

 

The award will be presented at a ceremony this summer in Washington, DC. For a complete list of 2024 recipients and to learn more about the National Medal awardees, visit the IMLS website.

 

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services  

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

About the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Founded in 1952, the Desert Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization widely recognized as a model institution for immersive and innovative interpretation of native plants and animals in their natural habitat. The 98- acre Desert Museum in Tucson, AZ is regularly recognized as a top-tier facility due to its pioneering approach to interpreting the complete natural history of a single region. It is a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery and natural history museum, all rolled into one. The mission of the ArizonaSonora Desert Museum is to inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation, and understanding of the Sonoran Desert. To learn more, visit www.desertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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