Porcupine Soup is reporting the Institute of Museum and Library Services has announced the Thomas Cole National Historic Site is among 30 finalists for the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The Thomas Cole site is one of 15 museums nominated nationally, and one of three museums in the state of New York, along with the New-York Historical Society and the Queens Museum of Art, to be selected as an award finalist. IMLS Director Crosby Kemper said, “We are celebrating not only the ongoing excellence of the best of our museums and libraries, but their extraordinary efforts through the pandemic, the recession, the racial justice protests, and national divisions to serve, heal, and bring together our communities. Congratulations to all 30 finalists." The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. “To be nominated as a finalist is an extraordinary honor for the Thomas Cole National Historic Site,” said Elizabeth B. Jacks, Thomas Cole National Historic Site executive director. The site opened in 2001, making this its 20th anniversary year. The award announcement coincides with the launch of the site’s newest programming called Spring Lights, an outdoor nighttime walk-through event designed to offer the local community a safe, fun and completely new museum experience. With support from local businesses and friends, the museum is offering Free Community Fridays every week. Located on Spring Street in Catskill, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site presents the original home and studios of Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of painting, the nation’s first major art movement. The site includes the 1815 Main House; Cole’s 1839 Old Studio; the reconstructed 1846 New Studio building; as well as panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains. It is a National Historic Landmark and an affiliated area of the National Park System. Read the full story at porcupinesoup [dot] com.