NEH Announces Second Picturing America Application Period

WASHINGTON, (August 4, 2008)

Schools and Public Libraries Can Apply Now until October 31 to Receive Free Educational Resource that Explores U.S. History through American Art

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announced today that a second round of applications for Picturing America will be accepted online through October 31, 2008. Picturing America is a free educational resource that helps teach American history and culture by bringing some of our nation’s greatest works of art directly to classrooms and libraries. In June, the NEH awarded Picturing America to over 26,000 schools and public libraries nationwide.

At no cost, recipients will receive a set of large, high-quality reproductions of 40 pieces of great American art (each approximately 24" x 36") and an illustrated teachers resource book with information about the artists and artwork and lesson ideas for all grade levels to facilitate the use of the reproductions in core subject areas. Delivery of these materials is scheduled for spring 2009. Additional educational resources are also available through the Picturing America Web site.

“I am delighted to announce that we are again accepting Picturing America applications,” said NEH Chairman Bruce Cole. “The Endowment wants every school and public library in the United States to receive Picturing America, and this second application period will bring us closer to achieving that goal.”

All schools (K-12, public, private, parochial, charter, and home school consortia) and public libraries in the United States and its territories that have not previously received Picturing America may apply for the program through October 31, 2008 at Picturing America. Please note that previous recipients of the Picturing America collection are not eligible for a second award.

The NEH wishes to thank the following: the American Library Association (ALA); the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Head Start; the Institute of Museum and Library Services; the Department of Defense Educational Activity; the National Park Service; Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Smith; the History Channel; and the National Trust for the Humanities.

Picturing America is distributed by the NEH in cooperation with the ALA. For information about the ALA, please visit www.ala.org.

About Picturing America

Public, private, parochial, and charter and home school consortia (K-12), as well as public libraries in the United States and its territories, are eligible to receive Picturing America materials. Interested schools and public libraries should submit an application by October 31, 2008 for receipt of the materials in spring 2009. Detailed instructions for submitting an application can be found in the 'Apply Now' section of the Picturing America Web site.

Media Contacts:
Office of Communications: (202) 606-8446 | info@neh.gov