Western Center Awarded Prestigious Grant
from the Institute of Museum and Library Services

A grant from a federal agency, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), will help the Western Center develop a simulated dig site that is designed to help meet our region’s critical need to close educational gaps for students from kindergarten through college. This collaborative project is designed to engage students of all ages in hands-on discovery science. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the intrinsic value and fragility of our cultural and paleontological resources.

The Simulated Dig Site project will provide participants with an experience that simulates, as closely as is practical, the scientific reasoning and technical processes involved with an archaeological or paleontological dig. The site activities have been tested in summer camps at the Western Center and are designed for one-week and semester long digs. Additional signage will help casual visitors understand the ethics, science, and processes involved in a dig.

"As repositories of our nation’s treasures and our nation’s history, museums are positioned to play an integral role in the education of their communities. Museums for America grants support projects and ongoing activities that build museums’ capacities and help these institutions serve their diverse constituencies to the best of their abilities.” -- Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of 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 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.