[4/26/2023] 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
IMLS Press Contact Erica Jaros EJaros@imls.gov
ACM Press Contact Alison Howard, 703-224-3100 x102 Alison.Howard@ChildrensMuseums.org
HCFM Press Contact Ian Seppala, 716-693-1885 director@carrouselmuseum.org
 
[Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum]Announces Access Program for Low-Income Families Museums for All to increase accessibility of high-quality museum learning resources. 

[North Tonawanda]—Today Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum announced that it has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum for a minimal fee of $3.00 per person, up to six people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 850 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences. 

Museums for All helps expand access to museums and also raise public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire communities. More than 850 institutions participate in the initiative, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more. Participating museums are located nationwide, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 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 www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

About Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) The Association of Children's Museums (ACM) champions children's museums worldwide. With more than 460 members in 50 states and 16 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children's museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination. Learn more at www.childrensmuseums.org.

About the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum (HCFM) ​The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, operated by the Carousel Society of the Niagara Frontier, is a premier national historic site and community resource for family recreation and learning that fosters an appreciation for the unique heritage of the carousel and related industries in the Niagara Region. To learn more, visit www.carrouselmuseum.org

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Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Director Ian K. Seppala has been announced as part of the inaugural group to participate in Art Services Initiative of Western New York's MEDAL Program. The MEDAL (Molding Executives and Directors as Arts Leaders) program is a six month program for executives within the first three years of their role. For a complete list of the 10 MEDALISTs and more about the program, follow the link below!
https://www.asiwny.org/2023/04/24/meet-our-2023-medalists/

Spectrum News Reporter Revathi Janaswamy visited the museum to discuss the opening of the 2023 season, and the opening weekend event, Super Hero Day. Director Ian K. Seppala is noted in stating: “We have four new interactive exhibits and displays for people and a new exhibit on how we're restoring [the] carousel and we're just able to give people a more inside look this year and changed out some of the horses and things so people can see some stuff they haven't seen in a while.”

To read the article or watch the video visit: 
​https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2023/03/29/herschell-carrousel-factory-museum-opens-for-season