The Silver City Museum is pleased to announce that it has received a $5,000 grant from the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Community Investment Fund. These funds will support repair of the Museum's flat roof.

The Roof Renovation project will improve community infrastructure by remedying roof leaks in the exhibit areas and hallway, and stabilizing the roof to prevent future leaks with a ten-year materials guarantee. This repair will ensure that museum can provide a safe and pleasant environment for guests, and safeguard historical artifacts. This will allow the Museum to continue to serve its mission; The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and
celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching and interpreting the region's unique history.

"The Museum structure includes several additions to the original 1881 Ailman House," according to Museum Director, Carmen Vendelin. "Facilities issues pose some of our greatest challenges. We are thankful to the Freeport-McMoran Community Investment Fund. This grant will have a lasting impact."

Community Investment Funds (CIFs) awards grants through a competitive application and review process. The CIFs engage community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities, allowing them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity-building, community development and sustainability.

The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting the region's unique history. For more information, please contact the museum at (575) 538-5921, education@silvercitymuseum.org, or go to the museum's website. www.silvercitymuseum.org.

Freeport-McMoRan Foundation CIFs

Community Investment Funds (CIFs) have been established in communities near Freeport-McMoRan operations in Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. The CIFs engage community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities (developed at Community Partnership Panels), and allow them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity-building, community development and sustainability.

Each CIF is governed by a committee of 7 to 10 community representatives as well as two company representatives. The committee reviews all proposals and determines which projects best address the community's priorities.