The folks at the International Bluegrass Music Museum and the River of Music Party, both located in Owensboro, KY, passed along notice that they recently received the 2006 Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award.

This award is given to honor innovation in humanities and arts programs by the National Recreation and Park Association. Five awards are given each year, with competition among localities of equivalent population.

From the NRPA site comes this description of the award:

Dorothy G. (Dotti) Mullen, a pioneer in the field of recreation and parks and its diversified applications, pursued her many interests with vigor and enthusiasm. Among these pursuits was establishing a program to recognize excellence in arts and humanities programs throughout recreation and leisure. The Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award program selects national winners from five population classes. The program aims not only to recognize those who demonstrate excellence in art and humanities, but also to inspire others who may be interested in developing similar programs.

The Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award program exists to honor the most innovative and effective arts and humanities programs across the nation. Through the national awards, recognition is given to the importance of arts and humanities programs and to the leisure service agencies that provide them. Winners are announced annually at the NRPA Congress and Exposition.

Congratulations to the staff of the Museum and the ROMP festival for this recognition.