The HIstory Channel has joined with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities to encourage libraries to strengthen their communities’ interest in American history by creating themed exhibits and public programming to coincide with the broadcast of the upcoming series America: The Story of Us. This epic, 12-hour television event covering 400 years of American history will premiere on The History Channel on April 25.

A contest among local libraries throughout the entire U.S. will award a total of $35,000 in prizes to winning libraries for outstanding cross-platform exhibitions tied to American history. Libraries will be encouraged to develop public programs and community conversations on a variety of topics in American history. The History Channel will also provide all participating libraries with copies of America: The Story of Us once it’s available on DVD.

Full information on this program, including the registration form, can be found at http://www.history.com/images/media/pdf/History_LibraryContest_FIN.PDF.