BUFFALO, WYOMING—The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum of Buffalo, Wyoming today as one of eight recipients of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Over the past 29 years, the award has celebrated institutions that are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.
“IMLS is delighted to announce the eight worthy recipients of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, including the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “Jim Gatchell has used their collection, their history and the history of Johnson County to bring the community itself alive to the importance of history, education and the community’s part in both.”
Established in 1957, the nucleus of the museum’s collection came from pharmacist Theodore James “Jim” Gatchell. When Gatchell opened his pharmacy in 1900, it had an immediate effect on the local community, bringing in people from across the region. Gatchell enjoyed getting to know his customers and befriended many. Famous Army Scouts, cowboys, cattle barons, Native Americans, and lawmen all frequented the pharmacy, sharing their stories with Gatchell. Today, the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum honors Jim’s legacy of inclusivity and appreciation for all cultures and people by striving to achieve the highest standards in the museum field.
Selected from 30 national finalists, the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners represent institutions that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service. Through their community outreach, these institutions bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and helps communities thrive.
“All of us at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum are blown away to be recognized in this manner. We are proud to be trusted with preserving and sharing the story of our community—the community which has created and cared for this museum for over sixty years. Receiving the National Medal reassures us that we are on a great journey and helps ensure the continued growth and success of the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum.” Sylvia Bruner, Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum executive director.
The award will be presented at a ceremony on Monday, July 17 at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time. It may be viewed at the White House YouTube streaming channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@WhiteHouse/streams
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
March 28, 2023
BUFFALO, Wyo.—The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum is among 30 finalists for the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum is the only institution in Wyoming to be selected as a finalist for this award.
The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.
“It is an incredible honor for the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum to be nominated for the IMLS National Medal, and to have made it into the top 30 finalists is overwhelming,” said Sylvia Bruner, executive director. “Although the JGMM is a very small institution, we have big dreams and even bigger plans. This nomination verifies that those aspirations which we hold so dear are valued by the greater museum community and reassures us that we are on the right track.”
“So many museums and libraries across the country are committed to providing programs that are vital to the health and growth of engaged communities. We are very proud to announce the 30 finalists for this year’s IMLS National Medal,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “These institutions represent the best of what museums and libraries do for their communities.”
To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals, and engage with IMLS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.
National Medal winners will be announced in late May. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during an in-person National Medals Ceremony this summer.
To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.
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 libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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News article from the Buffalo Bulletin
Audio interview with 307NetRadio