August 10, 2006

University Museum captures prestigious award

by Sun Min

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The University Museum at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is the winner of a prestigious award.

The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) announced that the University Museum is the recipient of a Leadership in History Award for the fall 2004 exhibit "Words, Wood & Wire: The History of Southern Illinois as Told Through Folk Songs and Musical Instruments." Linda M. Smith, doctoral candidate in anthropology at SIUC, curated the exhibit.

"We were very pleased to receive news of this award," said Dona R. Bachman, director of the University Museum. "This outstanding exhibit had already won an award from the Illinois Association of Museums, but it was particularly gratifying to be recognized by a national organization of the caliber of the American Association of State and Local History."

Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., the AASLH is a not-for-profit professional organization of individuals and institutions working to preserve and promote history. The AASLH Leadership in History Award, now in its 61st year, is the most highly coveted award for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. The awards presentation will take place during a special banquet at the 2006 AASLH annual meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. on Sept. 16. Bachman plans to attend.

"I believe this award speaks to the level of scholarship and outreach that the University Museum provides to SIUC and to the entire Southern Illinois region," Bachman said.

Leading in research, scholarly and creative activities is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.