Press Releases

Higgins Armory Museum Awarded Grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services

October 9, 2001 Contact: Malory Truman (508) 853-6015 ext. 26

The Higgins Armory Museum has been awarded a $112,500 General Operating Support grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Robert S. Martin, new Director of the IMLS, announced the grant on September 25. More than 800 institutions applied this year for the funds, one of the federal agency's most prestigious museum grants. During this round of funding, 178 museums received IMLS support.

IMLS encourages the best in museum practice through programs like General Operating Support. The grant provides national recognition for museums that have the highest ratings of their peers. It is a stamp of achievement that sparks vital public-private partnerships. Support for general operating costs is often cited as the most difficult money to raise.

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' in the museum world, and shows that the recipient operates within the highest standards. Dr. Martin said, "With more than $15,512,000 going to 178 exemplary museums, IMLS continues its long tradition of recognizing and supporting the best of museum service in America."

To qualify, museums receiving operating support must demonstrate outstanding performance in all areas of museum operations. Each applicant must perform a complete self-evaluation, involving every aspect of their operations - from collections care to maintenance to educational programs and exhibits. Professionals in the museum field, with an average of 13 years of experience, evaluate each application.

Some of their comments are as follows...

"For such a specialized museum, you are incredibly community oriented and appear just as well received."

"You could teach a lot of locality-focused museums about community involvement."

"Indisputably important collection, exploited at all levels."

"Wow!"

"I wish I lived in your community and could take advantage of all you offer!"

"An exemplary organization, through and through. Your programs are innovative and inclusive. The material presented is articulate and convincing."

"This was a tremendous document to read. It was invigorating, challenging and motivating."

"(I) found the idea of two exhibitions per year based on the school year and the summer visitor so simple, but smart, that I am prepared to copy it in my own institution."

"Planned future emphasis on information technology for ... public outreach will place the Higgins Museum on the forefront of institutions of its class. Such attention to the future is rare and commendable."

"The success of Higgins Museum lies in its ability to meet ... visitor's expectations and then exceed those expectations by showing that there is much more to arms and armor than just blood and guts."

The Higgins Armory Museum, located at 100 Barber Avenue in Worcester, Mass., is open Tuesday through Saturday,10am to 4pm, and Sunday, 12 to 4pm. The Museum is closed on Mondays and holidays. General admission is $6.75, $6.00 for senior citizens, $5.75 for children age 6 through 16. Children age 5 and under and members are admitted free. Ample free parking is available.

The Higgins Armory Museum is the only institution in the Western Hemisphere solely dedicated to arms, armor, and related artifacts, and their cultural impact on the modern world. From historically-accurate swordplay demonstrations to a first-person performance of Joan of Arc drawn from eyewitness accounts of her career, the Higgins uses its specialized collection to teach the broad lessons of history.