April 19--The Chicago History Museum Tuesday won a top award in its field for its work with community and neighborhood groups.
The Institute of Museum and Library Sciences named the Lincoln Park institution as one of its 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Services winners, citing CHM exhibits and programming involving local gay, Jewish, Mexican, Japanese and other communities.
Ten winners from among 30 perviously announced finalists were chosen by the IMLS, a federal agency that supports museums and libraries with grants, research and policy development.
Other area winners this decade have been Chicago Public Library (2014), Waukegan Public Library (2013) and Garfield Park Conservatory (2012).
"My Chinatown," "Benito Juarez and the Making of Modern Mexico," "Out in Chicago" and "Shalom Chicago" were among the Chicago History Museum exhibitions that helped the museum win the honor. The museum has made it a point to collaborate with community groups in producing shows that spotlight those groups.
"I have always been proud of the community stories the Museum has been able to share through our exhibitions and programs," Gary T. Johnson, museum president, said in a statement.
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