THE MORTON ARBORETUM LAUNCHES ACCESS PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

-The Arboretum is the first public garden in the country to join Museums for All program –

LISLE, Illinois –The Morton Arboretum announced that it has joined Museums for All, a program of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), designed to encourage families of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. The program will enable low-income families to visit the Arboretum for a minimal fee of $1 per person with the presentation of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Families can also visit any participating museum year-round for a minimal fee. The Arboretum is the first public garden in the nation to join the Museums for All program. The Museums for All initiative is part of The Morton Arboretum’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all. Museums for All represents a long stride toward the goal of reaching more children and parents, especially those living in poverty, with the valuable learning resources of museums.

“We’re proud to partner with the Museums for All program, to help remove the barrier of cost so more families can experience all the Arboretum has to offer,” said Anna Cosner of The Morton Arboretum.

Museums for All admission includes access to the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres, including its award-winning Children’s Garden, with engaging and interactive spaces and activities designed to foster a love of trees and the outdoors. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and select special events and festivals throughout the year with Museums for All admission. For more information about the Museums for All program at The Morton Arboretum, visit mortonarb. org/visit-explore/plan-visit/museums-all.

About The Morton Arboretum

Established in 1922, The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum and tree research center located in Lisle, Illinois. As the champion of trees, The Arboretum is committed to scientifically-informed action, both locally and globally, and encouraging the planting and conservation of trees for a greener, healthier, more beautiful world. On 1,700 acres are 220,000 plant specimens representing 4,100 different kinds of plants, along with specialty gardens, educational exhibits, the award-winning Children’s Garden, 16 miles of hiking trails and the Visitor Center, featuring The Arboretum Store and the Gingko Restaurant and Café. The Morton Arboretum is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, welcoming more than 1 million visitors and serving more than 42,000 member households in 2015. Learn more at mortonarb. org.

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 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit imls.gov. About Association of Children’s Museums (ACM)

In an increasingly complex world, children’s museums provide a place where all kids can learn through play and exploration with the caring adults in their lives. There are approximately 400 children’s museums around the world, which annually reach more than thirty-one million visitors. ACM provides leadership, professional development, advocacy and resources for its member organizations and individuals. To learn more about ACM and to find an ACM-member children’s museum near you, visit ChildrensMuseums.org.###