MEMPHIS, Tenn.—The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is among 30 finalists for the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Services. Stax Museum of American Soul Music is the only institution in Tennessee to be selected as a finalist for this award.
“Since 2003, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music has shared the remarkable story of Stax Records at the original site of the record company’s studios in the heart of the Memphis neighborhood known as Soulsville USA,” said Stax Museum Executive Director Jeff Kollath. “The label launched the careers of artists such Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, and the Staple Singers, who not only recorded hit songs, but changed the landscape of American music and pop culture. The Stax Museum continues to share this music and the Stax story with a new generation of learners through educational tours, concerts, community outreach, year-round free programming, and engaging online experiences.”
The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.
So many museums, so many libraries have done such good work over the last two very difficult years. We are proud to present the 30 finalists for the IMLS National Medal,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “Their work is emblematic of the response of the library and museum worlds to simultaneously fulfilling their mission and serving their communities.”
To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging Stax Museum of American Soul Music’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals hashtags, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.
National Medal winners will be announced in early June. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during a virtual National Medal Ceremony this summer.
To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Stax Museum of American Soul Music
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is located at the original site of Stax Records in the heart of the Memphis community known as Soulsville USA. One program of the Soulsville Foundation, which also operate the Stax Music Academy and The Soulsville Charter School, it presents, preserves, promotes, and interprets the art, history, culture and heritage of American Soul Music, specifically the Memphis Sound and its influences internationally. For more information, please visit https://staxmuseum.com/.