The Madison Children’s Museum announced Tuesday it has been named the recipient of a prestigious national award, propelling the local favorite into the national spotlight.
The museum was one of 10 museums and libraries that received the 2011 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, awarded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services. It was chosen out of 18,000 museums, said Amy Mertz, spokesperson for the museum.
MCM was nominated by Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, Mertz said, who filled out the application to apply for the award, which also includes a $10,000 prize.
“We had to demonstrate how the museum is service-oriented and how it performs a service to the community,” she said. “We demonstrated the many ways in which the Children’s Museum can affect individuals of all ages and different groups within the community.”
Ald. Mike Verveer, Dist. 4, said the museum is an asset to the downtown area.
“I think ever since they were able to move into their new permanent location, the sky’s been the limit for them,” he said. “They’ve been able to do so much more. It comes as absolutely no surprise to me that they’re being nationally recognized.”
The prestige garnered by the award is the next step for the Children’s Museum in becoming a national presence.
“The award takes the museum to the next level,” Mertz said. “It propels us toward doing bigger and better things and becoming a national model for other museums to follow.”
A statement from the IMLS said a new science exhibit will be geared toward school-age children, particularly the 8-12 age range. The exhibit will feature a “Building Big Ideas” program, designed to get kids interested in science, technology, mathematics and engineering.
The statement said the program will be a year-long effort that will foster science-related partnerships between the museum and the community. It will be available for school field trips and for exploration by children and parents.
Mertz said the award is a catalyst for a continued pattern of excellence.
“This is a once in a lifetime honor,” she said. “We have big plans to keep doing amazing things in the future.”
