Friends of the Mines of Spain_Excellence in InterpretationMines of Spain State Recreation Area
E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center
8991 Bellevue Hts
Dubuque, Iowa 52003 -9214
NEWS RELEASE
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR
INTERPRETATION
MINES OF SPAIN FRIENDS ORGANIZATION RECIEVES AWARD
The organization Friends of the Mines of Spain received an award for Excellence in Interpretive Support
from the National Association for Interpretation attheAnnual Conference at St Paul Minnesota,
November 12 The conference included members from the United States and Canada Rich Henderson,
Board Member and Wayne Buchholtz, Park Ranger accepted the award for the organization
The award, Excellence in Interpretive Support, is presented to an individual member or nonmember,
governing body, official, administrator, business, agency, or organization that has shown recognition of
thevalue of interpretation through exceptional and sustained support This support may be broad -
based financial, administrative, or executive (or a combination of these), and serves as a respected
model for other interpretive venues and contributors Recognition may be for (but not limited to)
sponsorship or support for interpretive programs and enhancement of interpretive facilities
The Friends of the Mines of Spain (FOMOS) support a state recreation area and National Historic
Landmark that protects over 250 archeological sites pertaining to NativeAmerican and early settlement
heritage in Iowa Incorporated in 1995, FOMOS has become an integral part of providing critical
volunteer support and financial ascstance In 2009 FOMOS successfully planned and executed a visitor
center expansion and education project whereby they raised almost 16 million dollars! In addition,
FOMOS raised an additional $325,000 for enhanced exhibits and interpretive programming The FOMOS
volunteer program utilizes over 900 volunteerswho annually donate close to 3,000 hours of
volunteering Due to the support of FOMOS, in 2008, 435 programs were delivered to 29,000 victors In
addition, FOMOS, in conjunction with staff, prepared plansto launch a new marketing plan decgned to
reach an estimated 18 million readers through print ads and over 300,000 online viewers Through its
exceptional and sustained support, FOMOStruly serves as a respected model for other interpretive
venues (From NAI Awards Committee)
The Mines of Spain is a State of Iowa Recreation area located in Dubuque, Iowa For rnore Inforrnation
about the Mines of Spain vict their website htto / /minesofspain or
Contact Wayne Buchholtz/Park Ranger for further information at 563 - 599 -8475
Heartland
omeco
Great Places,
Great Minds
Great limes
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SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR
INTERPRETAT4ON
EXCELLENCE IN
INTERPRETIVE
SUPPORT
PRESENTED TO
THE FRIENDS OF
THE MINES OF SPAIN
In recognition of exceptional and sustained
support for interpretation