While millions of Americans enjoy visiting museums, they are typically unaware of the measures needed to protect collections to ensure that their children can have similar experiences. The public is fascinated and this increased knowledge is likely to help institutions find resources to support future care of collections activities. The potential of digital media. Technology is already a partner in enhancing museums educational resources and making them more widely available. Yet despite the ubiquitous nature of digital media in our society its potential connection to the museum experience is just beginning to be explored.
Students can visit from computers in their classrooms or at the museum itself.
Students take on the role of archeologists who explore ancient ruins and artifacts that are part of the museum's collection. They also act as historians of the future studying the culture of Charlotte, NC in the 1990's. In FY 1998, IMLS will support museum partnerships for the first time through National Leadership Grants. We expect that many of these projects will use digital media to provide high quality educational services to the public. For museums of all sizes, the availability of resources is a continuing concern.