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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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The [Museum Name] is pleased to announce that [Staff member name(s) and titles] [will attend/will present a session at/received a scholarship to attend] the New England Museum Association 2008 Annual Conference, to be held November 12-14 in Warwick, Rhode Island.

[Last name] will join more than 800 museum colleagues from throughout the region at this three-day program.  Representatives of history museums and historical societies, art, science and youth museums with gather to share their knowledge and experience of all facets of museum work.  Participating museums range from all-volunteer community organizations to the largest museums in New England.

Curt Columbus, the critically-acclaimed artistic director of Trinity Repertory Company will present the keynote address. Located in the historic Majestic Theatre in the heart of Providence, Trinity Rep is one of Rhode Island’s most esteemed cultural institutions. The always energetic, funny and provocative Curt Columbus, who will speak on the importance of theatres, museums, symphonies and other cultural institutions as public spaces. Additional speakers from Rhode Island include: Janice O’Donnell, Executive Director of the Providence Children’s Museum and Randall Rosenbaum, Executive Director at the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.

Near-by Providence is a renaissance city with world-class museums, a revitalized downtown and the quaint and historic East Side. Area museums and cultural organizations that are participating include AS220, The David Winton Bell Gallery, the Governor Henry Lippitt House and the Providence Children’s Museum, among others. The newly expanded RISD Museum will also be featured, where a spectacular Dale Chihuly glass exhibit will be on display. Events will also take place at the Culinary Arts Museum, Slater Mill, the Newport Art Museum and Rough Point.

The theme of the conference is “Sustaining Community: The Power of Museums.”   What does it mean to “sustain a community”? Museums throw open their doors to hold public lectures and programs. They partner with schools to meet educational goals. They collaborate with arts and community organizations to enhance the cultural offerings in their areas. They help drive the creative economies of their regions. Museums are among the most trusted sources of information cited by the general public. They loom large on the civic landscape and in the public consciousness. More than 800 museum professionals are expected to attend.

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NEMA's mission is to strengthen member museums and museums in the region. To achieve this mission NEMA fosters communication and ethical conduct; provides professional development; promotes excellence in museum operations; and encourages support for the museum community. For nearly 90 years, NEMA has provided resources to a professional community of museum staff members, volunteers, trustees, vendors and friends. NEMA offers many services, including an annual conference, workshops and seminars, publications and technical assistance.