Gordon-Booth Highlights State Grant to Support Peoria Riverfront Museum’s Every Student Initiative

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the advocacy of state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, the Peoria Riverfront Museum is in line to receive a $500,000 state grant in support of the institution’s Every Student Initiative, a flagship program that works to engage every public, private and homeschool student in Central Illinois for a curriculum-connected museum visit.

“The Peoria Riverfront Museum has become an icon in our community, and this grant will help to ensure it continues to be a wonderful place of learning,” Gordon-Booth said. “It’s important that we support our cultural institutions so that they may inspire the next generation, and the Every Student Initiative is a terrific program that helps to expose our children to learning opportunities they otherwise might not experience.”

“This extraordinary and unexpected grant by the people of Illinois will expand and improve access for 15,000 students and their families through the museum’s Every Student Initiative,” Museum President and CEO John D. Morris said. “It is also a tremendous vote of confidence for the thousands of generous museum members whose gifts make this museum possible. We are grateful to Rep. Gordon-Booth for her leadership.”

The $500,000 line item that will support the Every Student Initiative was included as part of a supplemental budget passed by the General Assembly in January (House Bill 969, 102nd General Assembly). Started in 2017, the Every Student Initiative aims to connect all students in the Central Illinois region with a curriculum-connected visit to the Peoria Riverfront Museum every year. The initiative also now includes free family passes for students and complimentary museum memberships for sponsored educators. Additional funding for the program comes from the Barton Family Foundation, the museum’s Visionary Society members and the Christmas in the Village event.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum serves the local community and also attracts visitors with exhibits on art, science, history and other topics that encourage lifelong learning. More information about the museum can be found at www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/.

“If you have not yet had an opportunity to visit the museum, I encourage you to do so with your family,” Gordon-Booth said. “With classes and specialized events happening all the time, there really is something there for everyone.”

For more information, please contact RepJGordon@gmail.com