SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $80,000 IN FEDERAL IMLS FUNDS FOR HERSCHELL CARROUSEL FACTORY MUSEUM

Fed Funds Will Support Programs Historic & Significant Western New York Institution

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $82,500 in federal funds for the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. The funding was allocated through the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) Museums for America discretionary grant program. Schumer and Gillibrand said this significant and historical institution will benefit greatly from these federal funds.  

“With this timely and vital funding, the Carrousel Factory Museum will be able to better serve the local community by expanding its educational enrichment programs” said Senator Schumer. “This federal investment will enable elementary, middle, and high school age children to engage in a unique learning experience that combines history, art and science. I am delighted to announce this funding and I cannot wait to hear more about the programs’ implementation.”

“The lives of New Yorkers are richer because of educational projects and initiatives funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal funds will help the Carrousel Factory Museum expand new learning opportunities for students in the community.”

Specifically, the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum – which is the world's oldest museum dedicated to the construction of carousels, and housed in a 100-year-old carousel factory, will be able to expand the reach of its educational programming from students in elementary grades to include middle and high school students as well. The museum will present new workshops and outreach programs on educational topics including history, art, and STEM for third through twelfth grade students. The programming emphasis will be placed on New York State and Common Core curriculum and will use primary source materials and museum artifacts. The museum will also produce and publish a classroom teacher resource kit on its website with lesson plans, pre- and post- visit activities, and evaluation tools.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent, federal agency and the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. The IMLS’s mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. The agency’s grant-making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive.

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