The museum of natural history at the university of wisconsin-stevens point will improve accessibility to its exhibits with new displays highlighting its rock, mineral, and fossil collections

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Museum of Natural History was awarded a $160,420 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America (CFDA 45.301) program. The grant will fund improvements to the museum's exhibits and accessibility, including the purchase of new exhibit cases, digital display equipment, and a hands-on activity cart for its newly renovated space. The project will also support the hiring of two paid student interns for the two-year duration of the grant. These enhancements will result in greater access and engagement for a wider range of visitors, particularly underrepresented audiences. The project aligns with the Museums for America program's goals of strengthening museums' abilities to serve the public more effectively and advance their strategic objectives.

The museum will purchase new exhibit cases, digital display equipment, and a hands-on activity cart for installation in its newly renovated space in the science building. Staff will hire two paid interns for the two-year duration of the project. The project will result in greater access to a wider range of visitors, including audiences who have been underrepresented in previous museum design and programming. IT will also provide student interns with hands-on experience working with collections and creating interpretive media. The museum's collections are used in over 20 classes and by more than 1,350 students each year and more engaging and accessible displays will benefit faculty, researchers, students, and museum visitors.