WASHINGTON, DC.- The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is pleased to announce the availability of guidelines and application forms for the 2009 Museum Grants for African American History and Culture, a grant program that enhances institutional capacity and sustainability in the nation’s African American museums through professional training, technical assistance, internships, outside expertise, and other important tools. Successful applications will focus on one or more of the following goals:

Developing or strengthening knowledge, skills, and other expertise of current staff at African American Museums; Attracting and retaining professionals with the skills needed to strengthen African American museums; and Attracting new staff to African American museum practice and providing them with the expertise needed to sustain them in the museum field.

A two-week deadline extension is available to any institution in an area that has received either a “Major Disaster Declaration” or an “Emergency Declaration” by FEMA within 12 months prior to the grant deadline. For applicants to Museum Grants for African American History and Culture, this would mean that the museum must be in an area that received the “Major Disaster Declaration” or the “Emergency Declaration” after January 15, 2008.

IMLS staff will be hosting two audio conference calls to provide an opportunity for prospective applicants to learn more about the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program. The calls will be held on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, November 18 at 2:00pm ET
Thursday, December 4 at 2:00pm ET

Please check the African American History and Culture page closer to the date of the call for specific dial-in instructions.