In 2021, a coalition of national museum and library associations announced the recipients of the second round of funding for Communities for Immunity, and the Peale was among the awardees. As part of the project, the Peale collected stories from community members about their experiences with COVID-19 and its aftermath. Of course, this series that we’ve called VAX VOX, is ongoing. If YOU have a COVID story you’d like to share, it’s never too late. 

Supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Communities for Immunity provides funding awards and support to museums and libraries engaging their communities to boost COVID-19 vaccine confidence. As trusted community partners, museums and libraries play a critical role in building vaccine confidence and fighting the pandemic.

“Through this unprecedented partnership, Communities for Immunity is providing nearly 100 museums, libraries, and tribal organizations across the country with over $1.6 million over two rounds of funding to help their community members make well-informed decisions about COVID-19 and vaccinations,” said Laura Lott, President and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums. “These organizations are linchpins in helping bring an end to the pandemic and leading their communities into a brighter, healthier future.”