The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that the Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) is among 30 finalists for the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. MCM is honored to be recognized as the only institution in Mississippi to be selected as a finalist for this award.

“We are honored, particularly in this challenging year, that IMLS has recognized the Mississippi Children’s Museum. 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 National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.

“The revival and reinstitution of the National Medals by IMLS is another signal of recovery and renewal in the nation’s very challenging—but very hopeful—times,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “We are celebrating not only the ongoing excellence of the best of our museums and libraries, but their extraordinary efforts through the pandemic, the recession, the racial justice protests, and national divisions to serve, heal, and bring together our communities. Congratulations to all 30 finalists.”

To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging MCM’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals hashtags, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.

National Medal winners will be announced in late spring. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during a virtual National Medal Ceremony this summer.

To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.