Bank Underwrites Free Admissions To African-American Museum on MLK Day
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- For the eighth consecutive year, a corporate gift will allow free admission to the African-American Museum in Philadelphia in honor of Martin Luther King Day.
Today, at the museum at 7th and Arch Streets, Citizens Bank CEO Daniel Fitzpatrick said the bank's charitable foundation is donating $25,000 to underwrite the museum's costs on January 20th, to offer free admission and cultural activities to more than 3,000 expected visitors.
"There's no better way to celebrate Dr. King's holiday and the National Day of Service than visiting the African-American Museum," Fitzpatrick (far left in photo) said.
Museum CEO Patricia Wilson Aden (second from right) says children will be able to take part in age-appropriate activities on that day.
"Our youngest visitors will travel throughout the museum and participate in the Citizens Bank Scavenger Hunt for Heritage," she said, noting that the program for teens includes an essay contest.
"This year we ask the questions: how would America be different today if more Americans were familiar with Dr. King's messages on poverty and war, in addition to racial injustice," she said.
And because the King holiday is now celebrated as a day of service, the institution encourages museumgoers to bring in canned goods for Philabundance, and children's books for Philadelphia Reads.