2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service

On October 7, 2008, a delegation from Crawfordsville, Indiana convened at the White House to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, Director of the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum, along with Dale Petrie, President of the Lew Wallace Study Preservation Society Board of Trustees and valued community member Gail Pebworth, received the 2008 National Medal for Museum Service at a special ceremony hosted by First Lady Laura Bush.

The National Medal, the nation's highest honor for museums that make their communities better places to live, is awarded to five out of 17,500 museums nationwide each year. This year's Medal was awarded to the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum for its successes in community outreach and education, in particular their groundbreaking Lew Wallace Youth Academy and the highly-successful Taste of Montgomery County.

"The General Lew Wallace Study and Museum in Crawfordsville is a shining example of how well-preserved history can enrich our communities today," said Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN). "The innovative programs of the Lew Wallace Youth Academy provide a great service to the children of Indiana, creating a unique learning opportunity for middle school students. The museum is truly a community organization, hosting successful events for all of Montgomery County and taking an active role in the revitalization of downtown Crawfordsville. The General Lew Wallace Study and Museum is a point of pride in Indiana, and I congratulate the museum for this well-deserved honor."


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