In a historic recognition of excellence, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo presented a resolution on June 4th to celebrate Children's Museum Houston and Harris County Public Library for being awarded the prestigious 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This marks a significant achievement as Harris County becomes the first community to have both a museum and a library win this esteemed award in the same year.

Historic Double Victory

Judge Lina Hidalgo expressed her pride and gratitude during the presentation ceremony, stating, "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."

National Recognition

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 ten recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This National Medal represents 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.

Celebrating Excellence and Community Impact

This year's awards not only highlight the extraordinary contributions of these institutions but also mark a historic milestone. The double victory is a groundbreaking achievement, with both a library and a museum from the same city claiming the prestigious honor for the first time. Additionally, the award's return to Houston holds special significance, as it marks the first win for the city since The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, received the award in 1997.

Children’s Museum Houston: A Beacon of Early Childhood Education

Children's Museum Houston has long been a beacon of early childhood education, offering innovative and high-quality programs that inspire and educate young minds. The museum’s dedication to fostering a love for learning through interactive exhibits and programs has made it an invaluable resource for families in Harris County.

Harris County Public Library: Serving the Community Beyond Books

Harris County Public Library has consistently demonstrated its commitment to serving the community beyond traditional library services. The library's extensive programs cater to families from diverse backgrounds, providing educational resources, digital access, and community support. Recently, the library showcased its role as a community hub by serving as a cooling center during power outages caused by severe storms, exemplifying its dedication to public service.

Looking Ahead

The recognition of Children's Museum Houston and Harris County Public Library with the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service underscores the vital role these institutions play in enriching the lives of Houston residents. As they continue to innovate and expand their services, they set a high standard for community engagement and educational excellence.

Houston’s pride in its cultural and educational institutions is well-deserved. The achievements of Children's Museum Houston and Harris County Public Library not only reflect their dedication and hard work but also highlight the strength and resilience of the Houston community. As we celebrate this historic double victory, we look forward to the continued positive impact these institutions will have on our city.

For more information about the Children’s Museum Houston, visit www.cmhouston.org and for Harris County Public Library, visit www.hcpl.net