‍HOUSTON—The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that Children’s Museum Houston is among 30 finalists for the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Children’s Museum Houston is one of three institutions in Texas to be selected as a finalist for this award.

The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For 30 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.

“Being named a finalist for the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service by IMLS isn't just an accolade; it's a profound affirmation of the boundless curiosity, creativity, and dedication to learning that defines Children's Museum Houston," said Children’s Museum Houston CEO Rayanne Darensbourg. At the heart of our mission to transform communities through innovative child-centered learning that improves the trajectories of all children, this recognition celebrates our unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds, instilling a sense of wonder that empowers them to explore, discover, and dream without boundaries."

To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging Children’s Museum Houston’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals, and engage with IMLS on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.

National Medal winners will be announced in late May. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during an in-person National Medals Ceremony in Washington, DC this summer.

To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.

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_{About the Institute of Museum and Library Services}

_{The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.}

_{About Children’s Museum Houston}

_{Winner of Good Housekeeping’s “2023 and 2024 Best Family Travel Award” and “Houston’s Best Museum” in Houston Chronicle’s 2023 Best of the Best Awards, only American continent finalist in 2023 Hands On! Children in Museums International Award, listed among Forbes, LA Times and USA Today’s “Best Children’s Museums in the U.S.,” TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence “Hall of Fame,” The Culture Trip’s “Top Museum and Landmark to Visit in Houston” and one of “Houston’s Must-See Museums” by Travel Channel, Children’s Museum Houston is a Playground for Your Mind™.  It is dedicated to transforming communities through innovative, child-centered learning that improves the trajectories of all children. Founded in 1980 and housed in a whimsical building designed by internationally acclaimed architect Robert Venturi, Children’s Museum Houston offers a multitude of innovative exhibits and bilingual learning programs for kids ages birth to 12 years. The Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.cmhouston.org or call (713) 522-1138.  Can your mind come out to play?™}