Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University's Museum is using $185,000 in state grants to renovate its facilities and expand educational programs for children. The museum, which received the funds with the aide of State Sen. Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. (R-Merrick), undertook the renovation in order to better protect its collection and works on exhibit.

"There is much work to be done in the next year and a half but thanks to the Senator's generous funding we are on our way to having a state-of-the-art museum facility," said Museum Director Beth Levinthal, formerly of the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington, N.Y.

One of many changes that the museum is undergoing is a state-of-the-art renovation to its storage area, which will help the museum better preserve and maintain the condition of its artistic pieces. Along with the storage area renovation there will also be changes made to the museum's aging lighting systems. The state funds will also be used to update the museum's current lighting system, which is over 40 years old, with contemporary and adjustable lighting to better illuminate works on exhibit.

The Museum is also in the process of laying a foundation for new children's educational programs. The ongoing programs will benefit children ages 3-12 throughout Nassau County and much of Long Island. The funding will help create the programs and also help pay for local school children to visit the Museum.

"The Museum is poised for tremendous growth in its outreach to the students of the University and to the entire Long Island community," explains Mrs. Levinthal. "The unique and varied treasures that comprise the permanent collection, along with dynamic exhibition offerings, will provide the basis for new educational program initiatives, and community partnerships that will redefine and grow the reputation of the Hofstra Museum throughout the region."

Since 1985 the Hofstra Museum has been accredited by the American Association of Museums, the highest honor a museum can receive. Less than 10 percent of museums nationwide have earned this distinguished recognition and Hofstra plans on remaining in that 10 percent bracket.