The National Medal for Museum and Library Service

On October 7, 2008, First Lady Laura Bush presented the Buffalo Bill Historical Center with the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service at a White House ceremony – the nation's highest honor for museums and libraries.

Each year, the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, in coordination with the White House, presents the National Medal to five museums and five libraries that have helped make their communities better places to live. In addition to the National Medal, each winning institution receives a $10,000 award.

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center received the award for, among other programs, its Museum Adventures project, which brings together its five museums to offer arts and humanities programming that meets the needs of students in isolated communities; its Plains Indian Museum Powwow that attracts more than 5,000 visitors from around the globe each year; and its Lunchtime Expeditions program that focuses on the natural history of the Greater Yellowstone region. Through these activities and other important initiatives, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center examines and interprets the art, culture, history, and natural history of the American West.

"We thank the entire region for its ongoing support of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center,” said Bruce Eldredge, Executive Director and CEO. “We and the Cody area have a long history of supporting each other, and that support has turned into this exceptional national recognition of our museum by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Through good times and bad, we have always worked together for the betterment of our community. In short, this award belongs to all these folks.”

“The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is immensely deserving of the 2008 National Medal because of its long-standing commitment to public service and educational outreach,” said U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming), who nominated the BBHC for the award. “This is the most prestigious national accolade a museum can receive. I am pleased the Institute of Museum and Library Services is recognizing the Buffalo Bill Historical Center as one of the best in the country for outstanding community contributions.”

“We in Wyoming know just how important museums like the Buffalo Bill Historical Center are to the heart of our rural communities. They preserve our history and provide residents with cultural enrichment opportunities and invaluable public services. I am proud of all that the Buffalo Bill Historical Center has done for Cody, the Big Horn Basin, and our state. Congratulations to everyone at the museum for winning the 2008 National Medal,” Enzi said.

“I congratulate the Buffalo Bill Historical Center on this outstanding achievement,” said U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyoming). “I am thrilled to see the Buffalo Bill Historical Center honored for its efforts in educating the public about the rich history, natural beauty, and diverse culture of Wyoming and the American West.”

“The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is truly an organization deserving of such a high honor,” said U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY-At Large). “Its work in Cody brings to life the history of this wild-west town and recreates the adventures of Buffalo Bill Cody. These exhibits also honor the culture of Wyoming’s Plains Indians, celebrate western art, and represent our great state’s outdoor traditions. It has been my pleasure working with this organization to advance their work and I commend them on receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.”

“By its example, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center shows us the kind of influence and impact that museums can have on community life. Through its innovative programs and active partnerships, the BBHC addresses the urgent and changing needs of the community it serves,” said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Institute of Museum and Library Services Director.

This is the second year that IMLS has awarded medals to 10 institutions. In previous years, the National Medal was known as the National Award for Museum and Library Service and was awarded to three museums and three libraries.

The other winners of the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service are:

More Information

For more information, please contact Mr. Lee Haines.

View the 2008 medal winners page on the IMLS web site at http://www.imls.gov/about/medals_08.shtm.