The program began in 1993, is Canada-wide and is supported by the National Literacy Secretariat . The projects involve museums and literacy programs working in partnership to encourage learning and develop skills in novel and imaginative ways. Twenty-three projects have been undertaken thus far. They have included the participation of large and small museums and local organizations such as libraries, social service agencies, community colleges, multicultural associations and aboriginal societies.
T'he workshops explore the possibilities of literacy in a museum setting.
They are designed for museum staff, such as curators and educators, and for literacy teachers and volunteers. Any person or group interested in a workshop should contact the coordinator of the program. The program is fortunate to be working with several partners to deliver resources and services. These include NALD , Storylinks, a community-based network that has pioneered using oral history in literacy education and Pacific Educational Press which is preparing a book about the many ways to read and interpret objects and texts in museums. The program publishes a Newsletter and makes available learning materials and other publications from its various projects.