Portland, Ore.—The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, OJMCHE, is among 30 finalists for the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. OJMCHE is the only institution in Oregon to be selected as a finalist for this award.
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.
“OJMCHE’s work is both life affirming and challenging,” said Director Judy Margles. “This nomination—with its national recognition of our work—inspires us to renew both our larger cultural mission and our immediate social responsibility. OJMCHE’s staff and board are more committed than ever to the power of civic engagement: our audiences discuss, look, listen, study, and learn. This nomination re-affirms our mission to stimulate diverse voices in our community, to illuminate the rich experience of Jews in the world at large, to learn from the past, and to anticipate a livable future.”
“So many museums and libraries across the country are committed to providing programs that are vital to the health and growth of engaged communities. We are very proud to announce the 30 finalists for this year’s IMLS National Medal,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “These institutions represent the best of what museums and libraries do for their communities.”
To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals, and engage with IMLS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.
National Medal winners will be announced in late May. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during an in-person National Medals Ceremony this summer.
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.