The DuSable Museum of African American History received the distinguished Chicago Cultural Treasures multi-year grant in the sum of $575,000. The Chicago’s Cultural Treasures initiative is a $14.4 million grant given to organizations that contribute to the history, culture, vibrancy, and identity of communities of color in greater Chicago. The Museum received the maximum amount of grant money available to a single organization.
“We are honored to have received this grant, and more importantly, we are proud to be considered one of Chicago’s cultural treasures,” said Perri Irmer, President and CEO of the DuSable Museum. “The DuSable Museum plays a critical role in the education of all our communities and visitors to Chicago. It is important that we continue to sustain and support our local cultural institutions, especially those that promote the heritage and accomplishments of minority communities.”
The grant, which the Museum will use to support its educational efforts around Black history, comes on the heels of celebrating its 60th year as one of Chicago’s cultural pillars. Founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret Burroughs, and named a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate in 2016, the DuSable is our nation’s oldest independent Black history museum. As an authority for Black culture, history, and art, it celebrates excellence through educational programs, unforgettable exhibits, and an expanded national and international network. Grants like the Chicago Cultural Treasures initiative will ensure the Museum can continue that proud tradition. The Museum has continued to consider innovative ways to best serve the community moving forward and is doubling down on its dedication to providing resources for education, announcing recently that it has begun the process of rebranding into a museum and education center.
Those who are interested in sponsoring or investing in current and future Museum initiatives like the educational efforts supported by Chicago Cultural Treasures can contact hjubeh@dusablemuseum.org.
Funders of the Chicago Cultural Treasures initiative include the Ford Foundation, MacKenzie Scott, and Chicago-based funders including the Joyce Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, Polk Bros Foundation, Terra Foundation for American Art, and Walder Foundation.
For more information regarding admission reservations, becoming a member, and the Museum’s new safety protocols, please visit www.dusablemuseum.org.
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