Kenosha Public Museums Named “Smithsonian Affiliate” . . .

“This is a wonderful tribute to the quality, stature and credibility of the Kenosha Public Museum, the
Dinosaur Discovery Museum and the Civil War Museum,”

Mayor John M. Antaramian is pleased to announce the Kenosha Public Museums have been named a “Smithsonian Affiliate” with all the rights and privileges of an Affiliate. The Kenosha Public Museum is one of 160 cultural institutions in the United States, the District of Columbia, Panama, and Puerto Rico, and one of two in Wisconsin, designated as an Affiliate.

The Smithsonian Institute, an internationally recognized museum system and educational facility, established the Smithsonian Affiliate program in 1977 to develop long-term relationships with museums throughout the United States.
Affiliate organizations must have goals compatible with the Smithsonian’s mission, and they must maintain the high standard of excellence that is synonymous with Smithsonian’s exhibit presentation and museum education standards. Designed to bring one of the nation’s most respected museums closer to the American people, the Smithsonian Affiliations program allows Affiliate institutions to borrow artifacts from the Institution’s estimated 142-million piece collection. Affiliates may incorporate these
artifacts into their exhibitions, as well as take advantage of the Smithsonian’s educational resources and
expertise in the areas of conservation, collections care, and exhibit development.

“This is a wonderful tribute to the quality, stature and credibility of the Kenosha Public Museum, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum and the Civil War Museum,” commented Mayor Antaramian. “It also presents great opportunities for collaboration in the future.” Museums Director Paula Touhey added, “We are gratified by the confidence the Smithsonian has placed in the Museums. This relationship allows us to access Smithsonian collections, lectures, traveling exhibitions, workshops and study tours.
The Smithsonian also shares staff expertise in the areas of conservation, collections care and exhibition development. It will bring global museum resources to our community.”