Grant Overview
Morgan State University (MSU) proudly announces the acquisition of a $248,442 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This three-year grant, awarded under the FY2019 Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program, aims to enhance the educational curriculum for middle and high school students in Baltimore City. The funding will also address critical staffing needs at the Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum (LCJM), facilitating the development of a curriculum centered on civil rights.
Educational Collaboration
To ensure a comprehensive integration of Baltimore’s rich civil rights history into educational frameworks, the museum has formed partnerships with several key organizations. Collaborating with Baltimore City Public Schools, the Maryland Historical Society, and Baltimore Heritage, these partners will share their expertise in emphasizing Baltimore’s pivotal role in civil rights leadership. This collaboration will also focus on implementing experiential educational strategies to engage educators and students effectively.
Impact on Youth
Iris Leigh Barnes, Ph.D., curator of LCJM, expressed her excitement about the initiative’s potential impact. She emphasized the importance of equipping Baltimore’s youth with an understanding of their city’s civil rights legacy and its connection to the broader national struggle for freedom and justice. By learning about historical figures from Baltimore, students will gain valuable insights into successful strategies employed in social justice reform.
Funding and Selection Process
The IMLS grant selection process was highly competitive, with 37 applications submitted for a share of $4,841,383 in available funding. Ultimately, 14 projects from across the nation, including Morgan’s, were chosen to collectively receive $2,231,000. Evaluated by peer reviewers for their merit and alignment with grant goals, Morgan’s project stood out for its commitment to enhancing museum capacity and community engagement.
Staffing Enhancements
The grant will not only boost educational programming but also enable LCJM to hire Shana Rochester, Ph.D., as the new education coordinator. Additionally, the funding will support the hiring of intern staff. This enhancement of staffing is designed to expand the museum’s educational objectives, ensuring that it effectively serves middle and high school populations in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Community Engagement
Local teachers participating in the program will visit LCJM to enhance their primary source research skills, thereby connecting their curricula to Baltimore’s historical context and its significant role in the U.S. civil rights movement. Throughout the school year, educators will bring students to the museum for engaging, hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of African American history and foster critical historical thinking skills.
Legacy of Lillie Carroll Jackson
Lillie Carroll Jackson, born shortly after the Civil War, was a formidable civil rights advocate who influenced numerous notable leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Thurgood Marshall. Serving as president of the Baltimore Chapter of the NAACP for over 35 years, her home became a hub for civil rights organizing. After her passing in 1975, Jackson’s legacy was honored with the establishment of her namesake museum in 1978, which was later transferred to MSU in 1996.
Historical Significance of the Museum
The Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum is one of two museums operated by MSU, alongside the James E. Lewis Museum of Art. Following a $3 million restoration project in 2016, the museum has continued to flourish and was honored with a Maryland Preservation Award in 2018. This recognition highlights the museum’s significance in historical preservation, education, and community development efforts.
Visiting the Museum
Entrance to the Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum is free, accommodating both individual and group tours, as well as various events. For more information regarding visitation or programs, visitors can check the museum’s website at www.lilliecarrolljacksonmuseum.org or contact them at (443) 885-5300.
About Morgan State University
Founded in 1867, Morgan State University is a distinguished doctoral research institution that offers over 125 academic programs at various levels. Established as Maryland’s preeminent public urban research university, Morgan is dedicated to providing diverse educational opportunities to its multiethnic and multiracial student body. Additional information about the university is available at www.morgan.edu.
Media Contacts
For more information, please contact Larry Jones or Dell Jackson from University PR at (443) 885-3022.
