Capito, Manchin Announce Funding for Huntington Museum of Art Trail Expansion

CHARLESTON, W.Va.  – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $143,550 in annual appropriations from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to the Huntington Museum of Art (HMA). This funding will support a project that expands the museums Nature Trail System to provide additional opportunities for patrons to interact with and learn about nature.

“West Virginia is nationally recognized for the beauty and splendor of our landscape. I’m glad to see the Huntington Museum of Art taking steps to make our state’s nature and trail systems more accessible for those with disabilities and increasing educational signage to enhance the visitor experience. Our state is truly wild and wonderful, and full of incredible history. I will continue to advocate for the resources our museums and cultural centers rely on to properly display what West Virginia is all about to both our residents and our visitors,” Senator Capito said.

“The Huntington Museum of Art is a treasured institution in our state, combining the arts with nature. I am thrilled the Institute of Museum and Library Services is investing in the Huntington Museum of Art to expand their current nature trail system, including the Teubert Sensory Trail, which is designed to be accessible for individuals who are visually impaired and individuals who use wheelchairs. This expansion will give West Virginians and other visitors greater opportunities to explore our Wild and Wonderful state. I will continue to advocate for funding to support cultural centers and the arts in West Virginia,” Senator Manchin said.

BACKGROUND:

Specifically, the museum will use this funding to expand the Teubert Sensory Trail, which is designed to meet the needs of visually impaired individuals and people who use wheelchairs, doubling its length. At the same time, they will install educational signage and other conveniences to enhance the sensory and hiking trails. The enhanced trails will make nature more accessible, inviting, and engaging, particularly for those who face barriers to participation.

# # #