BOSTON - Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today congratulated 13 Massachusetts museums for receiving federal funding as part of the Institute of Museum and Library Services' Museums for America grant program.

More than $1.5 million was awarded to thirteen Massachusetts museums. The funding will help the recipients with everything from developing educational programming, to cataloging our state's natural resources, to preserving some of the region's most beloved historical sites.

"Our museums keep Massachusetts' history alive and well for future generations. From exhibits about the daily lives of sailors aboard the USS Constitution to our country's first research institute for the study of American illustration, Massachusetts' museums are one stop shopping for the journey of our nation," said Senator Kerry. "I am pleased that so many of our state's museums will receive the help they need to continue to serve our communities."

Kennedy spokesperson Melissa Wagoner said, "The Commonwealth's unique history provides a wealth of extraordinary educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, and this federal funding is vital to preserving our magnificent cultural heritage."

To date, Massachusetts has received over 340 grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Nationwide, Museums for America provided $16.9 million for 154 projects this year.

More information about the award can be found at www.imls.gov

The following Massachusetts museums received awards:

Peabody Essex Museum, Salem   --  $149,899

American Textile History Museum, Lowell  --  $108,417

Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth  --  $106,831

Memorial Hall Museum, Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield  --  $150,000

USS Constitution Museum Foundation, Charlestown  --  $149,988

New England Wild Flower Society, Framingham  --  $149,924

New England Aquarium, Boston --  $127,506

Historic Highfield, Falmouth  --  $32,916

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston  --  $68,440

Whittier House Association, Amesbury  --  $29,650

Heritage Museums and Gardens, Heritage Plantation of Sandwich, Sandwich  --  $72,875

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown  --  $74,927

Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield  --  $150,000

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge  --  $136,425

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