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PHOTO: A rendering shows the First Amendment Museum’s redevelopment plan. (Submitted image)
AUGUSTA — The First Amendment Museum was awarded a highly competitive $249,000 Museums for America grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The money will support completed permanent exhibition design at the museum, 184 State St.
The nonpartisan museum is focused on educating and inspiring individuals to exercise their First Amendment rights: religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.
“The FAM is thrilled to receive this federal grant which will move our project forward in important ways,” said Christian Cotz, CEO. “The museum’s exhibitions will demonstrate how Americans have utilized their First Amendment rights as a tool to advance our society and to create that ‘more perfect union’ that is our civic charge. But perhaps more importantly, these dynamic, thought-provoking, and interactive exhibitions will inspire people to live their freedoms and exercise their rights in more intentional and effective ways.”
The First Amendment Museum has embarked on a sitewide restoration project to transform the historic Guy P. Gannett house, which is next to the Blaine House and Maine State House.into a 21st-century museum. The exhibition will be created by celebrated designer Helen Reigle of HER Design in Boston, whose portfolio includes the Boston Public Library’s Dear Boston: Messages from the Marathon Memorial, the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s A Whole New Game, and America on The Move at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
“This major grant will help us create a visitor experience that is unique, interactive, and relevant,” said Genie Gannett, of Readfield, co-founder and president of the museum board of directors. “We’re tremendously grateful to the IMLS for their generous support of this effort.”
The state-of-the-art exhibition will allow visitors to encounter, interact with and reflect upon their rights by reinforcing the notion that we use and engage with our First Amendment freedoms daily. Incorporating best practices for exhibition design, each room of the museum will interpret a particular aspect of the First Amendment.
The campaign is in its beginning stages, said Jamie O’Brien, chief development officer, and the grant is an important step. “We hope others will join us in this project to inspire and educate on the importance of utilizing our First Amendment rights for the betterment of our society and our country.”
Visitors can take part in free guided tours of temporary exhibition spaces at the museum, available from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays through Sept. 4.
