WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps announced today a Museums for America grant of $24,712 for the South Coast Railroad Museum.  Museums for America is the Institute for American Research’s (IMLS) largest grant program for museums, and supports projects and activities that build museums’ capacity to serve their communities. 

“This is a remarkable achievement for the South Coast Railroad Museum,” said Capps.  “The Goleta Depot has played an important role in our community for decades and it’s important that we celebrate that rich heritage and preserve this local history for future generations.  I commend the South Coat Railroad Museum for embarking on this ambitious project and I look forward to reading the new book.”

This year IMLS received 371 applications for Museums for America grants.  The South Coast Railroad Museum was one of 154 projects to be selected for a grant and will use the funding for a project titled Goleta Depot:  The History of an Enduring Community Landmark.  The museum will produce an updated and enhanced edition of a 100 page history of the Goleta Depot, which has been out of print for over two decades.  Spanish and English versions of the text will be available, both in print and online.  The new edition will provide information about the Depot as well as engage its audience by making connections to the everyday lives of its readers. 

“The award of this IMLS grant is great news and a wonderful opportunity for the South Coast Railroad Museum,” said Gary B. Coombs Ph.D., Director South Coast Railroad Museum.  “The grant funds will make it possible for us to update and expand the history of Goleta Depot that was first published back in 1982 and which has been out of print for twenty years. We are especially excited that the final product will be available in a full-color digital version, as well as in traditional printed form.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.