SEARSPORT – The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport has been awarded a federal grant of $2,970 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Public Dimension Assessment grant from the Museum Assessment Program, will improve PMM’s educational outreach, public relations, advertising, and public assistance. Through the input of visiting museum experts, community leaders, members, and friends, PMM staff and trustees will explore the past, present and future of the museum’s services for its visitors and the community.

According to museum director Renny Stackpole, “Through this public dimension assessment award, Penobscot Marine Museum hopes to increase its attendance and continue with improvements in all its public programs. For the past 65 years the museum has grown in stature, yet hopes to increase its audience and develop stronger ties with local communities in the Penobscot Bay region.”

The Museum Assessment Program grants are funded by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the American Association of Museums to improve professional standards and practices through a process of self-evaluation and professional assessment. The program helps museums evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in one of three operation dimensions: overall management, collections care policy and public perception.