Kent, OH – The Kent State University Museum (KSU Museum) is the recipient of a $171,119 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to upgrade a collection storage room which houses garments from the 17th to early 20th centuries. Through the IMLS agency’s largest competitive grant program, Museums for America, a total of 109 projects were selected from 345 applications.
"As pillars of our communities, libraries and museums bring people together by providing important programs, services, and collections. These institutions are trusted spaces where people can learn, explore and grow,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “IMLS is proud to support their initiatives through our grants as they educate and enhance their communities."
Kent State University Museum Director Sarah J. Rogers said, "The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and holds one of the world's most important collections of fashionable Western dress spanning the 17th century through the present day."
The IMLS funded project will rehouse over 2,000 garments in museum quality cabinets placed on high-density mobile carriages to optimize space. "Completion of this project will make collections more readily available for study, research, loan and exhibition while improving long-term preservation," said Project Director Joanne Fenn.
This is the second phase of a multi-phased plan to systematically upgrade the KSU Museum’s storage rooms. The project begins September 1, 2020 with completion expected by May 2022. Updates can be tracked through the various Museum's social media outlets.
For additional information see: https://www.imls.gov/news/190-imls-grants-museums-generate-more-36-mill…
Follow the museum on Facebook and Instagram at @ksumuseum or visit www.kent.edu/museum.
About the Kent State University Museum
The Kent State University Museum is located at 515 Hilltop Drive, at the corner of East Main Street and South Lincoln Street in Kent, Ohio. It features more than 28,000 pieces in its collection, amassed from many generous donors.
This Fall, the museum is open to the public on Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children ages 5 to 17. The museum is free for children age 5 and under and for those with a Kent State ID. Sunday admission is free for all ages. Parking is free for all museum attendees. Patrons should use the allotted museum spaces in the Rockwell Hall parking lot. For more information, please call 330-672-3450 or visit www.kent.edu/museum.
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Media Contacts:
Brittani Peterson, bpeter12@kent.edu, 330-672-2714
Joni Koneval, jkoneval@kent.edu, 330-672-0116
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595