Director's Message

Winter 2001

From the Director, Kent dur Russell

I am thrilled to announce that the Higgins Armory Museum has been awarded a $112,500 General Operating Support grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This is the maximum amount awarded by the federal agency. More than 800 institutions applied this year for the funds, one of the agency's most prestigious museum grants. During this round of funding, 178 museums received IMLS support. Judged as it is by seasoned museum professionals who scrutinize all aspects of an applicant museum's operations, the IMLS grant is considered a 'mark of excellence', and shows that the recipient operates within the highest standards.

Speaking of support, the Annual Appeal continues this winter; if you haven't already done so, please send in your tax-deductible gift by December 31. The grant from the IMLS helps us with general operating expenses, but we still need your donation to help us continue to offer the educational programs and exhibitions that have earned us the attention - and praise - of the entire museum world. Your donation is important, no matter what the size!

The Shields of Faith Russian icon exhibit has had a phenomenally successful run. It closes in January, so if you haven't seen it yet, I urge you to come take a look. To mark the end of the show, the annual Winter Ball will be held on the last day of the exhibition, Saturday, January 26. The theme of the ball is "From Russia With Love", and the committee promises a night of fun and surprises! We have a wonderful committee this year, co-chaired by Janet Lankton, who, together with her husband Gordon, collected the icons in the exhibit, and Cindy Pitcher, wife of our President, Steve Pitcher.

Our new exhibition, Mail: Lords of the Rings, opens Thursday, February 28, 2002. Mail is arguably the most successful armor type in all of history: the Romans wore mail, it was in use far longer than plate armor in the Middle Ages, and it is considered quite a fashion statement today! All are welcome at the gala reception on opening night; come see why people as diverse as King Arthur's knights and Tina Turner find mail so fascinating!