Congressman Cohen Announces "Picturing America" Award Recipients
“Picturing America is a unique program that gives students the opportunity to learn about some of America’s greatest works of art,” said Congressman Cohen. “Additionally, it provides educators with the tools and materials necessary to open this world up to their students. By bringing great art into our schools and libraries, this innovative program offers Americans of all ages the opportunity to learn about our history in a fresh and engaging way.”
Bruce Cole, Chairman of the NEH, explained, “The Endowment believes that Picturing America should be in every school and public library in the United States. As a result of our first round of applications, thousands of schools and millions of people all around the country will have the chance to view and learn from this collection in their own communities. Picturing America helps us understand our democracy by bringing us face to face with the people, places, and events that have shaped our country. It provides an innovative way to experience America’s history through our nation’s art.”
In the 9th District, 32 institutions will receive Picturing America awards. They join the over 26,000 schools and public libraries across the country that will participate in the program. Successful applicants will receive forty large, high-quality reproductions of great American art and a comprehensive resource book for teachers to assist in using the works of art in core subjects. Delivery of these materials is scheduled for August 2008, in advance of the Fall 2008 semester. Additional education resources are also available through the Picturing America Web site (www.PicturingAmerica.neh.gov).
The NEH will offer Picturing America to more schools and libraries through a future enrollment opportunity beginning in August 2008. All eligible schools and public libraries in the U.S. and its territories who have not previously received Picturing America awards may apply for the program from August 4 through October 31, 2008 at www.PicturingAmerica.neh.gov.
In addition to schools and libraries, NEH and the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will work together to make Picturing America available to the 20,000 Head Start centers around the nation, including 21 in Memphis and Shelby County. This partnership will provide for the development of materials to supplement Picturing America and ensure that the program will enhance early childhood development and family literacy.
Picturing America is distributed by the NEH in cooperation with the American Library Association (ALA). For information about the ALA, please visit www.ala.org.
9th District Picturing America Award Recipients:
Collierville Middle School
Schilling Farms Middle School
Sycamore Elementary School
Chimneyrock Elementary School
Dexter Elementary School
Dexter Middle School
A. Maceo Walker Middle School Library
Alcy Elementary School
Appling Middle School
Charjean Elementary School
Chickasaw Middle School
Dr. William Herbert Brewster Elementary School
Gardenview Elementary School
Geeter Middle School
Highland Oaks Elementary School
Highland Oaks Primary School
Humes MIddle School
Idlewild Elementary School
Kirby High School
Kirby Middle school
Lester School
Manassas High School
Peabody Elementary School
Pleasant View School Library
Sheffield High School
Snowden School
Southside Middle School Library
Southwind High School
Southwind Middle School
St. George's Independent School
St. Joseph Catholic School
White Station Middle School
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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265
About Picturing America
Public, private, parochial, and charter and home school consortia (K-12), as well as public libraries in the US and its territories, are eligible to receive Picturing America materials. Interested schools and public libraries will be able to apply through the NEH for the second round of Picturing America awards, beginning August 4 through October 31, 2008 for receipt of the materials in spring 2009. Detailed instructions for submitting an application can be found in the ‘Apply Now’ section of the Picturing America Web site, PicturingAmerica.neh.gov.
Picturing America comes with a comprehensive package of materials that includes:
• Forty large, high-quality color reproductions of the selected masterpieces (24” x 36”)
• A comprehensive teachers resource book providing a wide range of ideas and background information to support educators using the works of art in core subject areas
• Additional resources and lesson plans available through the Picturing America Web site, PicturingAmerica.neh.gov
About the National Endowment for the Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. The study of the humanities — history, literature, philosophy, and the arts — helps us explore what it means to be human. The humanities enable us to understand the world and our place in it.
Because “democracy demands wisdom,” NEH serves and strengthens our Republic through promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans. Through its programs, NEH provides opportunities for all citizens to embrace the humanities and benefit from their wisdom. For more information about NEH, visit www.neh.gov.