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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2009
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL INCLUDES OVER $380,000 FOR ROCHESTER'S GEORGE EASTMAN HOUSE
Funding Would Use New Technology to Preserve and Increase Access to Museum Library Collections
Bill Set to Clear Senate Next Week
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Omnibus appropriations bill includes $381,000 for the George Eastman House in Rochester. The funding would be used to preserve and allow access to museum library collections through new Web applications. The bill will now proceed to the House and Senate Floors as the next step in the appropriations process.
"This is terrific news for the entire Rochester community," said Schumer. "The George Eastman House is one of the oldest and most revered photography and film museums worldwide. In these technology-driven times, it’s important for the federal government to do everything in its power to ensure that such historic, cultural gems as this one are able to adapt in ways that allow them to both preserve their heritage and expand their resources.”
“These federal dollars will go a long way to preserve the collections at the George Eastman House while making them accessible through the internet,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These snapshots are an important part of our history. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal funding.”
The George Eastman House will use these funds to create a model for new ways to share, examine and interpret collections in a digital environment that can be sustained and replicated by museums around the world. Specifically, Eastman House will explore how to best utilize Web 2.0 applications in terms of preservation and access to museum and library collections.
The House is expected to vote on the bill tomorrow with the Senate set to vote next week.
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