KIRC Receives Federal Funding for Museum Project
The KIRC is honored to announce that it has been selected as one of 21 organizations nationwide to receive funding for a FY2016 Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services award.
A federal grant through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, this outstanding opportunity is geared to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement.
The $49,976 grant award ($50K award cap) will support the developing Kaho'olawe "Living Library," a virtual museum offering a new means of access to Kaho'olawe.
With focus on two major activities: 1) expansion of our digitized pilot project collection of archived Kaho'olawe materials, as directed by public demand and core program consultants; and 2) the design of an interactive application (or "app") for mobile use; a fully functioning map of Kaho'olawe that enables the user to virtually explore the Reserve and discover the archived collection, the project seeks to advance access to Kaho'olawe.
"To the people of Hawai'i, especially Native Hawaiians, Kaho'olawe is a symbol of resilience and an opportunity to rebuild a cultural heritage," says KIRC Executive Director Mike Nāho'opi, "as the only major island in the Pacific that has been archaeologically surveyed from coast to coast, with the entire island listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve's current inventory contains 3,000+ historic sites and features- encompassing an intact and unique record of Hawaiian history & culture."
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Its grant making, policy development, and research helps libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive.
"By creating access to these resources, we further our mission of providing access to Kaho'olawe," remarks Public Information Specialist Kelly McHugh, "the benefits offered through the history, culture and ecology of Kahoʻolawe are boundless. This is just one way that we can share and enhance those benefits for and with our community."