Historic Spanish Point Awarded Prestigious Grant

Online, August 5, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Thanks to a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, (IMLS) Historic Spanish Point will embark on a long-term project of visitor services and technology improvements. This project will include a new point-of-sale system for admissions and registrations as well as museum store sales. Also included will be new ways to communicate information to visitors about upcoming activities and museum programs.

"Historic Spanish Point's strategic plan includes enhancing the visitor experience and creating better communication with the public about all the opportunities this accredited museum offers. This IMLS Museums for America grant provides equipment in line with modern expectations and gives staff and volunteers up-to-date tools to be more productive."
-Linda Mansperger, Executive Director of Historic Spanish Point

"This year's MFA grant recipients are truly an exciting and diverse group of museums, representing the remarkable ways that large and small institutions are serving communities. Funded projects support digitization and collections management plans, enhanced accessibility, environmental literacy, and much more. The work of these institutions will educate and inspire citizens of all ages. IMLS is pleased to support museums as they engage their communities through programming tailored to their specific needs, and this round of MFA grants furthers this work."
- Marsha L. Semmel, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Museums for America is the Institute's largest grant program for museums, providing more than $19 million in grants to support the role of museums in American society to sustain cultural heritage, to support lifelong learning; and to be centers of community engagement. Museums for America grants strengthen a museum's ability to serve the public more effectively by supporting high-priority activities that advance the institution's mission. This grant funding will support projects and activities that strengthen museums as active resources for lifelong learning and key players in the establishment of livable communities. Museums for America grants are designed to be flexible. They can be used for ongoing activities, research and behind-the-scenes, activities planning, new programs, purchase of equipment or services, or other activities that will support the efforts of museums to upgrade and integrate new technologies into their overall institutional effectiveness.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

At Historic Spanish Point engage in 5,000 years of Florida's inspiring past by exploring prehistoric Indian mounds, pioneer era buildings and the colorful gardens of Mrs. Potter Palmer. Be enlightened with tours of a 30-acre archaeological, historical and environmental museum located on the shore of Little Sarasota Bay. A large Butterfly Garden, picnic facilities, nature trails through a unique environment, and one-of-a-kind exhibits are just some of the interesting features included in your experience.

The Visitors Center offers a Museum Store with Florida themed educational items. Wedding and Reception packages as well as Private Parties and Meeting Rooms are available. Inquire about membership benefits including free admission. Reflect on your visit to this fully accredited museum and how your support continues more than 25 years of preserving Florida's yesterday for tomorrow.

General admission rates; $10 adults, $9 Sarasota County residents and Seniors age 65+, $5 kids 5-12 (kids under 5 are free). The museum is open Monday-Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. The museum is located at 337 N. Tamiami Trail (US 41) in Osprey, FL.