01/06/2011
Citizens Bank Foundation donates $25,000 and sponsors free Community Day at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
Museum plans a full day of events to help commemorate MLK Day
PHILADELPHIA (January 6, 2011) - The Citizens Bank Foundation announced today that it is donating $25,000 to the African American Museum in Philadelphia to underwrite the museum’s commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 17, 2011..
The foundation grant will provide free admission to the museum, as well as special events, including the Citizens Bank Scavenger Hunt for Heritage designed to help children learn about the museum and African American history.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s goal of promoting justice and equality for all people can never be overlooked or underestimated,” said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, Citizens Bank President and CEO for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. “The Citizens Bank Foundation is honored to once again commemorate Dr. King’s legacy by underwriting free admission for a special community day at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.”
At a news conference held at the museum, Citizens Bank presented the $25,000 gift. The money will be used to provide a free Community Day for anyone that wants to visit the museum on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. More than 3,000 people are expected to attend the celebration at the museum on Community Day.
To encourage visits by families, the bank will offer the Citizens Bank Scavenger Hunt for Heritage, a fun and educational activity that will help children explore and experience the museum. More than 50 Citizens Bank volunteers will help guide children through their list of clues to find specific artifacts. Each child who brings a completed list to the Citizens Bank table in the museum will receive a copy of Martin’s Big Words, a picture-book biography of the civil rights leader, compliments of Citizens Bank. Scavenger hunt participants will also receive a special commemorative patch compliments of AAMP.
“This is our fourth year partnering with Citizens Bank and, as always, we’re grateful for the support,” said Romona Riscoe Benson, the museum’s President and CEO. “The Citizens Bank Foundation’s generous support enables us to open our doors to the community for our festivities and exhibits surrounding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This important event allows us to attract new community members to the museum and to showcase our continually updated facility.”
“This partnership between Citizens Bank and the African American Museum has significantly enhanced the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Philadelphia,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “The generosity of the Citizens Bank Foundation will allow thousands of people to walk through the doors of the museum and learn about a man who changed America for the better.”
In recent years, the museum has completed a $4.5 million renovation that has enhanced the entire visitor experience. On Martin Luther King Day visitors will enjoy a fun-filled day of dynamic music, dance and other cultural performances along with historical reenactments.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is located at 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, January 17, Martin Luther King Day. For a complete list of special events and performances, visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s website at www.aampmuseum.org.
About the Citizens Bank Foundation
The Citizens Bank Foundation is the principal charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Financial Group, Citizens Bank and Charter One Bank, N.A. The foundation’s support is focused on housing, community development and basic human needs. Citizens’ website is citizensbank.com.
About the African American Museum in Philadelphia
Founded in 1976 in celebration of the nation's Bicentennial, the African American Museum in Philadelphia is the first institution funded and built by a major municipality to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage of African Americans. Throughout its evolution, the museum has objectively interpreted and presented the achievements and aspirations of African Americans from pre-colonial times to the current day.
The museum is committed to telling the story of African Americans in all its permutations: family life, the Civil Rights movement, arts and entertainment, sports, medicine, architecture, politics, religion, law and technology. The AAMP houses four galleries and an auditorium, each of which offers exhibitions anchored by one of three dominant themes: the African Diaspora, the Philadelphia Story and the Contemporary Narrative.
