For Immediate Release
December 06, 2012
Contact Information

202-653-4799
Giuliana Bullard
gbullard@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner
mbittner@imls.gov

(BPRW) President Obama Appoints Althemese Pemberton Barnes to the National Museum and Library Services Board

(BLACK PR WIRE) — Washington, DC — President Barack Obama announced the appointment of Althemese Pemberton Barnes to the National Museum and Library Services Board. The board is the advisory body for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and members are selected to serve based on their expertise and commitment to libraries or museums.

IMLS Director Susan Hildreth said, "We are looking forward to working with Ms. Barnes. Her experience establishing a museum and working with museum service organizations provide her with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enhance the work we do at IMLS.”

Ms. Barnes is the executive director of the John G. Riley Museum, which she founded in 1996. In 1997, she established the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network, a statewide professional museum association. She served in Florida’s Departments of Education and Labor as an employment counselor and program specialist, retiring in 1995. From 1965 to 1970, she was a music instructor in the Leon County Schools in Tallahassee, Florida. She has worked as a consultant on several oral history and cultural development projects and directed the publication of historical books, heritage trail maps, guides, and documentaries. She is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, the Florida Heritage Foundation, the Florida Association of Museums, the Association of African American Museums, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Ms. Barnes received a B.S. and an M.S. from Florida A&M University.

Ms. Barnes replaces Christina Orr-Cahall, whose term has expired.

About the National Museum and Library Services Board
The National Museum and Library Services Board is an advisory body that includes the director and deputy directors of Institute of Museum and Library Service and twenty presidentially appointed members of the general public who have demonstrated expertise in, or commitment to, library or museum services. Informed by its collectively vast experience and knowledge, the Board advises the IMLS director on general policy and practices, and on selections for the National Medals for Museum and Library Service.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

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. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit http://www.imls.gov or follow @US_IMLS on Twitter.