HOUSTON (June 4, 2024) - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo presented a resolution to recognize Children’s Museum Houston and the Harris County Public Library as recipients of the prestigious 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

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Judge Lina Hidalgo said,

“Harris County made history today by becoming the first community to have both a museum and a library win this prestigious award in the same year. To anyone who has interacted with our libraries or been to the Children’s Museum, this will come as no surprise. Our libraries not only provide incredible programs for families of all backgrounds, but they recently stepped up to lend a hand by serving as cooling centers when folks lost power during the storms a few weeks ago. The Children’s Museum offers wonderful high-quality early childhood education programs for all kids in Harris County. Thank you to both institutions for everything you do.”

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Last month, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced Children’s Museum Houston (CMH) and Harris County Public Library (HCPL) of Houston, Texas as two of the 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. For the past 30 years, the award has celebrated institutions that are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.

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This year's awards mark a historic milestone on multiple fronts. Notably, the institutions celebrate a groundbreaking double victory as both a library and a museum from the same city claim the prestigious honor for the first time. Furthermore, the return of the award to Houston holds special significance, marking the first win for the city since The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston received the award in 1997.