[Libs-Or] FW: Apply Now to Become a Preserve America Community

[Ann Reed]

The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can be read on the agency's Web site at http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/081308b.shtm. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2008

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth at imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner at imls.gov 
 
Apply Now to Become a Preserve America Community  

Next Quarterly Deadlines: September 1 and December 1, 2008

Community leaders are encouraged to apply for the Preserve America community designation, which recognizes a community's efforts to care for and share its cultural and natural heritage. The designation also makes the community eligible for special federal funding. Preserve America is a White House initiative conducted in cooperation with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and other federal
agencies.* The last two 2008 application periods are September 1 and December 1. Applications forms are available at http://www.preserveamerica.gov/communities.html. 

Through participation in Preserve America, communities share knowledge about the nation's past, strengthen local identities and local pride, increase neighborhood participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support economic vitality.

Once a community receives the Preserve America designation, it is eligible to apply for Preserve America grants, which may be used for research and documentation, education and interpretation, planning, marketing, or training. These grants, which must be matched by the community, cannot be used for construction or repair projects. Last year, the government awarded nearly $5 million in federal funding for Preserve America grants. In 2008, $7.5 million has been made available for the grants, which range from $20,000 to $150,000. 

Other benefits of the designation include:

* White House recognition, a certificate of recognition, and inclusion in national and regional press releases;
* Official notification of designation to state tourism offices and visitors bureaus;
* A Preserve America Community road sign and authorization to use the Preserve America logo on signs, flags, banners, and promotional materials;
* Listing in a Web-based Preserve America Community directory; and * Enhanced community visibility and pride. 

The Preserve America program was established by the Bush Administration in 2003 and, so far, Honorary Chair and First Lady Laura Bush has awarded the designation to more than 600 communities nationwide. This month, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to authorize the program permanently.

To win the designation, applicants must submit an application with written support from community leaders and evidence of cultural or historic preservation activities. Applicants must be:

* Tribal communities (federally recognized) with an elected governing official or subdivisions of such tribes. * Municipalities or counties with an elected governing official, or unincorporated communities within their jurisdiction;
* Distinct neighborhoods within large cities or city-counties with a population of 200,000 or greater; or 

*Partnering agencies include the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Transportation; the General Services Administration; the National Endowment for the Humanities; the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities; and the President's Council on Environmental Quality.
Further information is available at www.preserveamerica.gov. 


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 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov. 



Ann Reed, Federal Programs Coordinator
Library Development Services, Oregon State Library
250 Winter St. NE
Salem, OR 07305
phone: (503) 378-5027
fax: (503) 378-6439
ann.reed at state.or.us
website: www.oregon.gov/osl/ld/index.shtml