The Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University has been selected for a grant totaling $412,997 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to expand and strengthen educational programming serving the Big Bend region.

The three-year project, “Developing and Enhancing the Public Programming of the Museum of the Big Bend,” will establish a comprehensive, collections-based education program focused on history and culture and designed to serve students, educators, families and lifelong learners.

The project will support the hiring of a full-time Curator of Education who will develop curriculum-aligned school programs and public learning opportunities using the museum’s collection of more than 25,000 objects.

“This grant represents an important investment in the museum’s ability to serve the people of the Big Bend,” said Dr. Emily Wilkinson, director of the Museum of the Big Bend. “Our collections tell the story of this region and the many cultures and communities that have shaped it. This funding will allow us to build the educational infrastructure necessary to bring those stories to students, families, educators and visitors in meaningful and engaging ways.”

The new Curator of Education will develop and implement lectures, workshops, classes, gallery talks, summer camps and docent-led tours, while building partnerships with area school districts. The project also calls for traveling education trunks, targeted outreach to rural schools and an online educator toolkit. MOBB anticipates offering at least eight public programs and four summer camps annually as the program develops.

The initiative is designed specifically for the rural communities of Brewster, Jeff Davis, Presidio, Pecos and Terrell counties that together service more than 32,000 residents.

The museum already provides field trips aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills at no charge to school districts, as well as public programs and signature events. The IMLS-supported project will build on those existing efforts by creating a dedicated education position and a more systematic approach to curriculum development and community outreach.

For more information about the Museum of the Big Bend, visit www.museumofthebigbend.com.