The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced The Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) as one of six recipients of the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Over the past 27 years, the award has celebrated institutions that are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities. 

“It is an honor and pleasure to honor these six recipients of the 2021 National Medal of Museum and Library Service,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “Through their programs, services, and community relationships, these institutions exemplify the ongoing excellence of our nations’ museums and libraries across the country, as well as their extraordinary efforts this past year to serve, heal, and bring us together. We look forward to celebrating them, as well as paying tribute to the hardworking staff at all American museums and libraries this summer.”

Selected from 30 national finalists, the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners represent institutions that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service. Through their community outreach, these institutions bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and helps communities thrive.       

“We are extremely honored and excited to be recognized as one of the six recipients (three museums and three libraries) in the country to receive the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, which is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries. This prestigious recognition of our efforts to improve outcomes for Mississippi’s children is a strong validation for the innovative efforts of our team and our community,” said Susan Garrard, MCM President. 

The award will be presented at a virtual ceremony in July. For a complete list of 2021 recipients and to learn more about the National Medal winners, visit the IMLS website.

MCM’s community partners congratulate the Museum on this great accomplishment. 

“Visit Jackson, and the entire city of Jackson is thrilled that The Mississippi Children’s Museum has been selected as a recipient of ILMS’s 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said Rickey L. Thigpen, President & CEO, Visit Jackson. “This award reflects the impact that the MCM continues to make on our community and the state of Mississippi. The demonstration of professionalism and authentic partnership is a standard that Visit Jackson does not take for granted.”

“The Mississippi Children’s Museum has always provided access and amazing programming for the Stewpot Community Services Children’s Program,” said Brooke Floyd, Director of Children Services at Stewpot Community Services, “MCM truly cares for all of Mississippi’s children. They are helping to mold young minds and shape Mississippi’s future. We were all so blessed to have been a part of it.” 

“The partnership between Spann Elementary and the Mississippi Children’s Museum is invaluable. The Mississippi Children’s Museum provides our students with a wealth of knowledge and experiences that they would otherwise not receive,” said Lori Torrey, Principal at Spann Elementary School, “From exposing our scholars to the exercise bikes that make healthy smoothies, to providing books for our students, to providing STEM activities, to reading to our student body for Read Across America Day, the Mississippi Children’s Museum is creating a footprint at Spann Elementary that is overwhelmingly vital to the success of our school.”