History Center Receives Top National Award For Service To Community

Institute of Museum and Library Services taps Orlando museum for 2019 National Medal

Orange County, FL – The Orange County Regional History Center has been named one of ten recipients of the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service — the highest honor given to museums and libraries across the nation.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington, D.C., has awarded national medals for 25 years to celebrate institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.

“We’re especially honored to receive this award because it highlights community service and recognizes that the History Center’s programs make a real difference in the lives of Central Floridians,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings.

The History Center’s record of community service involves its response to the tragedy at the Pulse Nightclub in June 2016 and the leadership role staff have played nationally in helping other museums respond to such events, as well as numerous partnerships and service to community groups and individuals.

The museum will welcome the public with free admission on Saturday, May 25, to celebrate the award.

The History Center’s National Medal continues significant recognition for Orange County cultural institutions. Last year, the Orange County Library System received the 2018 National Medal for Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“These national honors for the History Center and the Library System underscore the impact that the emerging downtown cultural corridor in Orlando has on our community,” said Orange County Regional History Museum Manager Michael Perkins. “The National Medal also validates the History Center’s plans to renovate and redesign our permanent exhibitions — a project that’s set to begin in late 2019 and is designed to ensure an even more accessible, educational, and enjoyable museum.”

Renovation plans call for the addition of more artifacts, more inclusive Central Florida history, and more opportunities for interaction and engagement, all in a contemporary format.

Representatives from the History Center and other National Medal recipients will be honored for their extraordinary contributions at a June 12 ceremony in Washington, D.C.

To see the full list of National Medal recipients and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website at www.imls.gov. For more on the History Center, visit thehistorycenter.org.

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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.

The Orange County Regional History Center, housed in a historic courthouse at 65 E. Central Blvd. in downtown Orlando, features four floors of permanent and limited-run exhibitions. The museum is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Orange County Regional History Center is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Family Services Department under Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and the Board of County Commissioners. The Historical Society of Central Florida Inc. is supported by United Arts of Central Florida and sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.