New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill opened in 1986.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Robert Burgess
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New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill named finalist for 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service
Local community encouraged to ‘Share Your Story” on IMLS social media in March, April
BOYLSTON, Mass. (March 11, 2019) – The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced that New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is among the 30 finalists for the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to their communities. For 25 years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is the only garden named a finalist and one of two organizations in New England to be recognized this year.
“The 30 National Medal finalists showcase the tremendous ability of libraries and museums to serve as vital community resources,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “The Institute of Museum and Library Services is honored to recognize these leading institutions. We congratulate them on the work they are doing across the United States.”
Finalists are chosen because of their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. IMLS is encouraging community members who have visited New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill to share their story on social media. To #ShareYourStory, please visit www.facebook.com/USIMLS or www.twitter.com/us_imls and use #IMLSmedals.
“This nomination speaks to the decades of exceptional work invested by members, volunteers, staff, and trustees into New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill,” said CEO Grace Elton. “Each day, we work together to improve people’s lives through plants by focusing on being inclusive, joyful, and educational. To be recognized by the IMLS emboldens us to do more, to reach more people, and to demonstrate near and far that plants are valuable to people, to ecosystems, and to the environment.”
National Medal winners will be announced later this spring. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions at the National Medal Ceremony on June 12 in Washington, D.C.
To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.
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 libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a nonprofit organization located in Boylston, Mass. The property includes 171 acres composed of woodlands, formal gardens, and an education center. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a member-supported, four-season garden dedicated to connecting people and plants. The organization is run by the Worcester County Horticultural Society, which, formed in 1842, is one of the oldest groups of its kind in the United States. For more information, visit nebg.org.
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