Museums and libraries across the state of Maryland will be receiving new funds from the American Rescue Plan.
The funding comes through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS’s American Rescue Plan grants disperse federal funds to help museums make adjustments related to COVID-19 and support their communities. The money will help institutions digitize their collections, improve student outreach, and expand accessibility to their collections. Across the country IMLS has awarded over $15 million in American Rescue Plan grants.
Maryland received a total of $474,461 in grants. Individual awards range from $12,150 to $50,000. The B&O Railroad Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Chesapeake Children’s Museum in Annapolis, and the Walters Art Gallery each received grants for $50,000. Other awardees include the Baltimore Children’s Museum, the Jewish Museum of Maryland, and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System in Largo.
In a press release, Maryland’s senators and congressmen said, “Our museums and libraries serve as essential cultural and learning hubs in our communities. The demand for their resources, whether in person or online, has grown during the pandemic. Through the digitization of their collections and the creation of hybrid curriculums, this federal investment will expand Marylanders access to the many resources our libraries have to offer.”