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BOSTON, MA (PRWEB) May 10, 2013

In a White House ceremony in the East Room, First Lady Michelle Obama joined Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Director Susan Hildreth to present the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to Boston Childrens Museum. The nations highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to the community, the National Medal celebrates institutions that make a difference for individuals, families, and communities. Carole Charnow, President & CEO of Boston Childrens Museum, and community member Tayquan Pomare-Taylor accepted the National Medal.

Two years ago, Boston Childrens Museum selected then-14-year-old Tayquan as a BNY Mellon CityACCESS Youth Leader (formerly BNY Mellon CityACCESS Teen Ambassador). The program encouraged him to connect and engage with children and adults alike at the Museum and in Boston neighborhoods. This responsibility positively impacted his sense of self, and both individual and institution have greatly benefitted. Tayquan raised his GPA from 0.7 to 2.5 over the past several months because he better understands that hard work yields rewards. Now 16, Tayquan reflects, “It felt like the Museum was made for me. And the way kids react to me at the Museum asking for me by name, learning from me shows me that I have something to give.”

Museums and libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and as cornerstones for our communities. Boston Childrens Museum has been a place for children and families to explore, to learn, to play, and to dream for 100 years, and we are very proud to name Boston Childrens Museum one of this years National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners, said Susan Hildreth, director, Institute of Museum and Library Services.

This years 10 honorees exemplify the nations great diversity of libraries and museums and include a science center, childrens museum, music museum, art museum, cultural museum, public libraries, and county library systems, hailing from seven states.

Boston Childrens Museum is truly a gem with a dedicated staff who have created a world of exploration, fantasy and creativity for children of all ages. I congratulate them on this national recognition, said U.S. Representative Mike Capuano (Mass.).

Boston Childrens Museum is a leader in education and innovation, positively impacting the lives of children and their families throughout our community. As Boston Childrens Museum celebrates 100 years, I congratulate them on this tremendous and well-deserved honor, said U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch (Mass.).

Medal winners are selected from nationwide nominations of institutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach. Later this year, StoryCorps a national nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans will visit Boston Childrens Museum to document stories from the community.

To learn more about the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners, please visit http://www.imls.gov/medals.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nations 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our 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 http://www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Boston Childrens Museum

Boston Children’s Museum engages children and families in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning. The Museum is a welcoming, imaginative, child-centered learning environment that supports diverse families in nurturing their children’s creativity and curiosity. We promote the healthy development of all children so that they will fulfill their potential and contribute to our collective wellbeing and future prosperity. More information about Boston Children’s Museum can be found at http://www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org. Become a fan of the Museum on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BostonChildrensMuseum and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/BosChildMuseum.

Hours and Admission

The Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. and Fridays until 9:00 p.m. Adults, $ 14, children (1-15) and senior citizens, $ 14; children under 12 months and Museum members are always free. Fridays 5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m., all visitors $ 1

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