National Medal of Honor in Museums and Library Services Spring Ceremony
WASHINGTON, D.C./ HOUSTON, TX (OCT. 9, 2023) – President and C.E.O. of Space Center Houston, William T. Harris attended the White House for the 2023 National Medal of Honor in Museums and Library Service Awards Ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Director of the Institute of Museum Library Services Crosby Kemper.
Harris was appointed as a board member by the White House Appointment Office when a number of associations nominated him to ascertain his interest.
“I was so humbled and excited for this appointment by the President of the United States and saw it as a call to serve,” said Harris. “I was very honored to have been nominated and ultimately selected for the swearing-in ceremony and to serve on this board.”
The board looks for individuals who can provide policy guidance for the National Museum and Library Services Board. The board oversees funding for the Institute for Museum and Library Services Agency, distributing over 416 million dollars through a competitive application process to museums and libraries across the United States. Another role of the boards is to select the winners of the presidential National Medal of Honors for libraries and museums.
As a board member, Harris advocates for the best practices in excellence and trends that are important to learning institutions.
“It’s really exciting to be a voice, especially for the museum community, and to hold the formal appointment for the next three years. I’m just so excited to be able to serve in this capacity.”
The Institute of Museum Library Services is the nation’s highest award for museums and libraries demonstrating excellence in service to their communities, and this year recognized eight institutions.
The 2023 National Medal Recipients for Excellence:
Libraries:
- Kuskokwim Consortium Library (Bethel, AK)
- LA County Library (Los Angeles, CA)
- Long Branch Free Public Library (Long Branch, NJ)
- Toledo Lucas County Public Library (Toledo, OH)
Museums:
- Center of Science and Industry (COSI) (Columbus, OH)
- Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum (Buffalo, WY)
- Museum of Discovery and Science (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
- Riverside Art Museum (Riverside, CA)
Since 1994, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has honored more than 200 institutions that exemplify extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service making a difference for individuals, families and communities, and is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums.
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ABOUT SPACE CENTER HOUSTON
Space Center Houston’s shared purpose is to bring people and space closer together. Over 1.3 million visitors and more than 250,000 students and educators visit each year to connect with the significance of space exploration to pursue a path in STEM or follow along as incredible feats of human spaceflight continue to make new discoveries. Space Center Houston is owned by the Manned Space Flight Education 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and generates an annual $118M economic impact to the Greater Houston area. Space Center Houston is a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Certified Autism Center. Learn more at spacecenter.org.
