MIAMI, FL — August 9, 2024 — Miami Dade College (MDC) is proud to announce that its Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) has been awarded the prestigious Museums for America grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This highly competitive grant in the amount of $250,000—the maximum funding available—will support the groundbreaking project “Miami’s Legacy of Freedom: Chronicling 100 Years of The Freedom Tower,” celebrating the rich history and cultural significance of this National Historic Landmark.
The Freedom Tower, currently undergoing a major renovation, is set to reopen in 2025 in celebration of its 100th anniversary. This restoration effort is bolstered by support from the State of Florida, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. With additional funding from IMLS, MOAD will develop new exhibitions highlighting the Tower’s historical importance, including an engaging orientation film and guided interpretive tours.
MDC’s MOAD is one of 115 museums across the nation—spanning diverse sizes, disciplines, and geographies—to receive this significant federal support. The Museums for America program provides funding for strategic, project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational and interpretive programs, digital learning resources, professional development, community debate and dialogue, audience-focused studies, and collections management, curation, care, and conservation. In total, the 2024 awardees will receive $23,361,915 in federal funding.
“We are thrilled and deeply honored to receive this generous grant from IMLS,” said María Carla Chicuén, Executive Director of Cultural Affairs at MDC. “The Freedom Tower stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Miami’s diverse communities. This project will allow us to bring its stories to life for new generations, further establishing Miami Dade College as a center for cultural and historical preservation.”
The project will involve collaboration with top-tier exhibition and media design firms, audio-visual experts, and content specialists to ensure a comprehensive and immersive experience for all visitors. Through these efforts, MDC aims to provide students, faculty, and the broader Miami community with a deeper understanding of the Freedom Tower’s legacy and its role in shaping the regional cultural landscape.
“This grant enables us to expand our mission of preserving and interpreting Miami’s cultural heritage. By chronicling the 100-year history of the Freedom Tower, we are not only celebrating the past but also creating meaningful connections to the present and future of our community,” said Dr. Amy Galpin, Executive Director and Chief Curator of MOAD at MDC.
The exhibitions and tours will highlight the achievements and challenges faced by Miami’s diaspora communities, with a special focus on the experiences of the Cuban exile community—acknowledging the Freedom Tower´s role as the home of the Cuban Refugee Center from 1962 to 1974, when it welcomed over half a million Cuban exiles to the United States.
“This project reflects MDC’s ongoing dedication to serving as a cultural and educational beacon for Miami. The support from IMLS, along with our partners, will help us to enhance the educational experience for our students and to foster a deeper connection between our community and its rich history,” emphasized Dr. Maryam Laguna Borrego, Vice President of External Affairs and Chief of Staff at MDC.
The Freedom Tower Centennial Campaign is now underway. MDC invites the public to join in celebrating this historic milestone and to explore the enduring significance of the Freedom Tower. To learn more about the campaign and opportunities to support, please contact freedomtower@mdc.edu.