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July 9, 2007

BCRI -- The Smithsonian's Home in Birmingham
                                                                               Smithsonian Affiliates' National Museum Day is September 29, 2007


< BCRI President and CEO, Dr. Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr. (far left) pictured with Lonnie G. Bunch, III (center), Founding Director, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and Harold A. Closter, Director, Smithsonian Affiliations during the Affiliations Conference in Washington, D.C., June 3-5.
 

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The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) was recently named an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, joining 153 museums, cultural and educational organization in 39 states, the District of Columbia, Panama and Puerto Rico.  BCRI shares this designation with only two other museums in Alabama—Huntsville's U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the Anniston Museum of Natural History.
 
"We were first introduced to the Affiliations Program in 2001," said Dr. Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr., BCRI President and CEO.  "However, we decided to put an application on hold until we completed all of the requirements for accreditation by the American Association of Museums—a goal we achieved in July 2005.  In 2006, we completed our application for the Affiliations Program and were accepted in May 2007."
 
Designed to bring one of the nation's most respected museums closer to the American people, the Smithsonian Affiliations Program allows Affiliate institutions to borrow artifacts from the Institution's estimated 136 million object collection.  Affiliates may incorporate these artifacts into their own exhibitions, as well as take advantage of the Smithsonian's educational resources and expertise in the areas of conservation, collections care and exhibition development.  The affiliation also gives BCRI access to member/donor initiatives and cross marketing opportunities.
 
"What makes this partnership unique is the fact that the Institute will not only be able to draw from the Smithsonian's vast object collections but it will also be able to incorporate the outreach services the Smithsonian offers," said Harold A. Closter, Director of Smithsonian Affiliations.  "Such services range from curriculum development in local schools to lectures, traveling exhibitions, workshops and study tours.  The Smithsonian also shares staff expertise in the areas of conservation, collections care and exhibition development.  The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute has established an impressive set of exhibits and activities.  We are very proud to work together with this important organization."
 
BCRI will officially kick-off its partnership with the Smithsonian by hosting Museum Day on Saturday, September 29, 2007.  This is a nationwide event where participating museums and cultural institutions across the country offer free admission to Smithsonian Magazine readers and Smithsonian.com visitors.  Museum Day celebrates the country's cultural offerings, allows the dissemination of knowledge and brings Americans together.

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