South Carolina State Museum announces access program for low-income families
May 17, 2021
Museums for All to increase accessibility of high-quality museum learning resources.
The South Carolina State Museum 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 the State Museum for a minimal fee of $2.00 per person, up to four 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 500 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of the South Carolina State Museum’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences.
“The State Museum is excited to partner with Museums for All,” said Executive Director Amy Bartow-Melia. “We see this an important opportunity to welcome and further expand access to the museum’s educational content, learning resources and programs to all South Carolinians.”
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 500 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 48 states.
About the South Carolina State Museum:
As the state’s largest and most comprehensive museum, the South Carolina State Museum, offers a unique, entertaining, and educational experience to visitors throughout its 225,000 square foot facility located in the heart of downtown Columbia’s Congaree Vista. The State Museum is housed in one of its largest artifacts, an 1894 former textile mill listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places. The museum offers four floors of permanent and changing exhibitions to explore on South Carolina art, cultural history, natural history, and science/technology. Visit scmuseum.org to learn more.
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 400 members in 48 states and 20 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children’s museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination. Learn more at www.childrensmuseums.org.
