Support for Museum's operating expenses during its temporary closure

BLUES FESTIVAL E-GUIDE JUNE 4, 2020 VOL 15 / ISSUE 23

Delta Blues Museum Grateful for Additional Funding During Pandemic Closure

(CLARKSDALE, MS) - Delta Blues Museum Director Shelley Ritter has announced additional funding received from Mississippi Humanities Council (MHC) to support the Museum's operating expenses during its temporary closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. With funding from Congress through the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the Federal CARES Act, the MHC offered emergency grants of up to $20,000 to qualifying cultural organizations. We are very pleased to be able to direct federal emergency funds to help the institutions that preserve and document Mississippi's unique cultural heritage while enriching the quality of life in our communities," said Dr. Stuart Rockoff, executive director of the MHC.

The MHC's priority was to support staff and other operational costs for these organizations that have been forced to close to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our goal was to use these Federal relief funds to bolster employment in our state's cultural economy while helping these organizations 'keep the lights on' during this time of unprecedented challenges," said Sharman Bridges Smith, MHC chair. Delta Blues Museum was approved to receive $12,125 in emergency funds.

Of the MHC grant, Ritter says, "We are grateful for the immediate actions of Congress and the MHC to make funds available as we and other cultural institutions and tourism entities face the effects of COVID-19 closures. These funds will help the Delta Blues Museum survive the coming months by maintaining jobs, preserving our cultural heritage and rebuilding the tourism industry."

About Mississippi Humanities Council: The Mississippi Humanities Council is a private non-profit organization funded by Congress through the National Endowment for the Humanities to provide and support public programs exploring our rich history and culture.

About the Delta Blues Museum: Established in 1979 by the Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees and re-organized as a stand-alone museum in 1999, the Delta Blues Museum is Mississippi's first music museum. A 2013 recipient of the IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Services--the nation's highest honor for museum and library service to the community – and a 2014 recipient of the National Arts & Humanities' Youth Program Award, the Delta Blues Museum is dedicated to creating a welcoming place where visitors find meaning, value and perspective by exploring the history and heritage of the unique American musical art form, the Blues. The Museum is also recognized as a Great River Road Interpretive Center. For more information on events or programs, please call (662) 627-6820, or visit the Museum web site at www.deltabluesmuseum.org.

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