The Institute of Museum and Library Services has awarded Kent State University Museum a grant of $171,119 to upgrade one of the museum's collection storage rooms 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.
Project investigator, Joanne Fenn said, "Completion of this project will make collections more readily available for study, research, loan and exhibition while improving long-term preservation." The project will rehouse over 2,000 garments in museum quality cabinets placed on high-density mobile carriages to optimize space.
Museum director, Sarah J. Rogers added "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."
"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."
This is the second phase of a multi-phased plan to systematically upgrade museum storage rooms. The project begins September 1, 2020 with completion by May 2022. Updates can be tracked through the various Museum's social media outlets. See additional information.
Follow the museum on social media at museum@kent.edu and www.kent.edu/museum.