Latest news with #MobileMuseum
Axios
01-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Backlash grows as Iowa closes historic research center
The State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) is closing its historic Centennial Building research center in Iowa City, will no longer edit the Annals of Iowa journal, and has ended its popular mobile museum. Why it matters: The decisions were made without public input and risk abandoning a core SHSI mission to safeguard the state's heritage, according to an online petition from the Save Iowa History Coalition. Catch up quick: SHSI staff made the decisions in the last six weeks with the help of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) as the agency faces a projected $800,000 budget shortfall. The staff had only a few weeks to close a budget gap for the fiscal year that starts in July 2026, Valerie Van Kooten, administrator of the SHSI, told the SHSI Board of Trustees in a meeting last week. The decisions did not require the board's approval, DAS director Adam Steen told trustees who asked why they hadn't been informed about the research center closure prior to a June 17 press release. State of play: The SHSI has used the Centennial Building as a research center for nearly 70 years, providing public access to tens of thousands of one-of-a-kind documents, photos and newspaper articles. The building needs at least $750,000 in maintenance, which factored into the decision to close it, Van Kooten told the board last week. A $5 million revamp of archival storage at the State Historical Building in DSM will be completed in 2028 and will accommodate the Centennial Building's collections, SHSI said in a news release. Zoom in: Annals of Iowa, which has been part of the government for more than 160 years, will no longer be edited by the state starting in July 2026. SHSI staff are seeking a collaboration with a state university to take over the work. Meanwhile, SHSI recently ended its Mobile Museum — a 38-foot custom-built Winnebago that had traveled to every county in the state multiple times since 2017 — because of costly repairs, Van Kooten said. What they're saying:"You're not being transparent," Mary Bennett, a retired special collections coordinator at the Iowa City site, told SHSI staff in a contentious public meeting last week. "Gov. Reynolds and your office made this decision unilaterally, relying on a very small handful of people, and I'm sorry, but this is erasing our history," Bennett said. The other side: Historical items will be protected and the service decisions will ultimately position the SHSI to grow, Steen said at last week's meeting.
Arab News
25-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Queen Rania visits Al-Quwayrah center, meets female entrepreneurs and community leaders
AQABA: Queen Rania of Jordan visited Al-Quwayrah District in Aqaba on Tuesday, where she met with female entrepreneurs and community leaders benefiting from income-generating projects supported by the Jordan River Foundation. During a meeting at Al-Quwayrah Youth Center, the queen engaged with beneficiaries of civil society organizations that receive grants from the Royal Hashemite Court, Jordan News Agency reported. A post shared by Queen Rania Al Abdullah (@queenrania) These projects, implemented in partnership with the Aqaba Governorate Council and JRF, have created sustainable incomes for over 100 families in the region by supporting small-scale ventures in agriculture, services, and handicrafts. Commending the initiative, Queen Rania praised the entrepreneurs for their dedication to building businesses that provide new income streams and contribute to community development. She highlighted the crucial role of youth and women-led enterprises in fostering economic growth at the grassroots level. The queen was welcomed at Al-Quwayrah Youth Center by its director, Ali Njadat, along with Ahmad Ghnaimat, director of the Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Community Empowerment Center in Aqaba; Fadia Al-Amamreh, president of the Golden Triangle Charitable Society; and Hadwa Njadat, president of the Nashmyiat Al-Quwayrah Society for the Welfare of Orphans. As part of her visit, the queen toured two small businesses supported by community empowerment programs. She visited the home of Harba Al-Rkeibat, also known as Um Enad, who operates a home-based breadmaking business alongside a carpet cleaning venture. The queen also stopped by a print shop owned by Ali Manaj'aa, which has provided employment opportunities for local youth. Queen Rania also visited the Children's Mobile Museum, currently stationed at the youth center. Launched in 2012, the initiative brings interactive learning experiences to children across Jordan who may not have access to the main Children's Museum in Amman. In 2024 alone, the mobile museum welcomed nearly 45,000 visitors, including school groups, families, and charitable organizations.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ocean City calendar packed with Seacrets' Love on Tap, much more for 150th anniversary
February brings another month of celebration as the Town of Ocean City continues its 150th anniversary festivities. Here's a look at some upcoming events to add to your calendar. One of the year's highlights is the Mobile Museum, a traveling exhibit created in collaboration with the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. This captivating showcase features historic artifacts, photographs and narratives that will be displayed at various monthly events. "The Mobile Museum is a perfect example of how we're bringing history to life in new and exciting ways," said Tom Perlozzo, Director of Tourism and Business Development for Ocean City. "It allows both residents and visitors to connect with Ocean City's past while celebrating everything that makes this town so special today." The Mobile Museum will appear at the 41st annual Boat Show from Feb. 14-16, offering guests a chance to explore Ocean City's rich maritime history while discovering the latest in boating technology. What do you see in Ocean City's future: Ocean City wants your help: How to envision a thriving, sustainable future for the town February is packed with opportunities to celebrate, including unique offerings for the "Dine, Shop, and Play" around-town promotions. Shotti's Point Luna features a special 150th Sangria throughout the month, adding a refreshing twist to a classic beverage. On Feb. 22, Alley Oops will offer a free dessert with any entrée purchase, giving visitors another delicious way to toast the town's milestone anniversary. Ocean City Tourism will also be celebrating at Love on Tap on February 22 at Seacrets, an event featuring 12 local breweries, live entertainment, and an electric party atmosphere. Wicomico to get state park: New state park in works for Wicomico County. Here's where it would be and more. The Anniversary Floral Garden, which will be unveiled at Springfest, will feature a stunning floral wall adorned with the town's iconic Smile Logo, providing the perfect photo backdrop for guests. Visitors will also have the chance to participate in hands-on floral workshops, including succulent planting and flower crown creations. "Springfest has always been a cherished tradition, and this year, we're making it even more special," said Perlozzo. "The Anniversary Floral Garden is designed to give visitors a beautiful, interactive experience that reflects the vibrancy and welcoming spirit of springtime in Ocean City." Ocean City's free summer events will also include exciting enhancements, including a week-long Summer Send-Off to close the season. This spectacular combination of events will feature drone shows lighting up the night sky, giant kites soaring over the beach, and the magical Balloon Glow, where vibrant hot air balloons will illuminate the coastline. "We wanted to give families and visitors one last summer getaway before Labor Day, and the Summer Send-Off does just that," Perlozzo added. "From stunning aerial displays to glowing hot air balloons on the beach, this is going to be an incredible way to wrap up the season." OC's film fest back for 9th year: Ocean City Film Festival returning with hundreds of films. Tickets now on sale. Adding to the excitement of the 150th anniversary is the introduction of the Rising Tides Music Festival. This high-energy celebration blends throwback hits with contemporary sounds, featuring artists from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s. The festival will also include unique themed activations, indoor activities and interactive zones that capture the dynamic spirit of Ocean City's coastal lifestyle. "The Rising Tides Music Festival is going to be a showstopper," said Perlozzo. "This is more than just a concert — it's an experience that pays tribute to the soundtrack of our visitors' memories while bringing new energy to Ocean City's entertainment scene." For more details and updates on anniversary events, visit This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City calendar packed with Seacrets' Love on Tap, much more
