Dedicated to celebrating regional heritage, the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) hosts a variety of activities throughout the year, including living history programs. CCHS recently announced that it has joined  Museums for All  to increase accessibility of high-quality museum learning resources. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) recently announced that it has joined  Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. 

“Museums for All,” helps expand access to museums and also raise public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire communities.

While admission to CCHS is already a free-will donation left up to each visitor’s discretion,  Museums for All  supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits with complimentary admission upon presenting a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. More than 800 institutions participate in the initiative with similar free and reduced admission, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, historic houses, and more.

“Over the past few years, our focus has shifted from simply curating local heritage to serving as a community partner, an educational resource, and a regional destination,” said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director. “Museums for All  is part of our commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences.”

First established in 1939, CCHS is the primary organization dedicated to actively and comprehensively preserving the history of Chenango County. The area’s premier heritage museum, the organization celebrates local culture – unique traditions, noteworthy residents, and unusual stories of the region.CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums with the mission to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. The ACM champions children’s museums worldwide.

With more than 470 members in 50 states and 16 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children’s museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination.


– From the CCHS