Suffolk News-Herald

Thanks to a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Riddick’s Folly will participate in the American Association of Museum’s Museum Assessment Program (MAP).

This allows the Folly to assess itself, gain the objective opinion of a museum professional and implement the necessary changes to improve the historic site in a way that not only benefits the institution itself but also the Hampton Roads community.

&uot;I am excited that Riddick’s Folly received the IMLS grant,&uot; said Robin Rountree, director of Riddick’s Folly. &uot;The MAP Institutional Assessment will help Suffolk’s only house museum grow and improve so that we may better serve our community.&uot;

&uot;Museums in the Museum Assessment Program are taking important steps to professionally manage their institutions,&uot; said IMLS Director Robert Martin. &uot;Each year this program helps hundreds of museums receive high quality professional advice in communities across the country.&uot;

Edward Able, president and CEO of the American Association of Museums, said that since 1981 MAP has provided more that 5,000 successful assessments, leading to improved professional standards and practices within museums of all sizes which in turn produces better service for the American public.

&uot;This accomplishment reflects the great value of the long-standing partnership between America’s museums and the federal government,&uot; Able said.

Riddick’s Folly proudly offers a number of classes and workshops throughout the year, many of them free of charge or at a modest cost.

The programs include the &uot;American Girl&uot; series. There is also a self-guided tour of Civil War sites in &uot;Tidewater Virginia Civil War Trails,&uot; for your consideration. Riddick’s Folly is proud to also offer information about the &uot;Siege of Suffolk.&uot;

For information about historic Riddick’s Folly, check the Web site at http://groups.hamptonroads.com/RiddicksFolly or call Robin Rountree at 934-1390.