WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to give Rhode Island students a deeper appreciation for U.S. history and American works of art, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that 77 schools and libraries across the state will participate in the Picturing America program. Participants will receive large, high-quality reproductions of up to 40 works of art by American painters, sculptors, and photographers, along with teaching materials to help educators incorporate the artwork into lessons about American history and culture.

"This program will bring great works of American art directly into Rhode Island's classrooms and libraries, giving students the opportunity to learn firsthand about our country's rich history and heritage," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, who has supported yearly increases in the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) budget. "I hope this program will help inspire students of all ages to learn more about American art and the events that shaped our great nation. This program is a terrific resource for students, teachers, and our community."

Picturing America is a free resource administered by the National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) in cooperation with the American Library Association (ALA). The program uses renowned works of art and a comprehensive teacher's resource book to help teach American history and connect students and citizens of all ages with the people, places, events, and ideas that have shaped our nation.

Schools and libraries are supplied with high-quality reproductions, which are 2-by-3 feet, and include works of art ranging from a 1796 Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington to Norman Rockwell's iconic "Freedom of Speech" which graced the cover of The Saturday Evening Post in 1943. Delivery of these materials is scheduled for August 2008.

The National Endowment for the Humanities has created an interactive website to support the program: http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/

Reed also announced that NEH will soon be accepting a second round of Picturing America applications online from August 4 to October 31, 2008. All Rhode Island schools and libraries are eligible to apply.