DOYLESTOWN, PENN. – The Board of Trustees of the James A. Michener Art Museum voted unanimously to approve the establishment of a satellite facility in New Hope at Union Square, scheduled to open in 2003. The 5,000-square-foot museum will house two galleries, a museum shop and public spaces.

“The Michener Board members are very excited about our future presence in New Hope, and we look forward to being an integral part of the community,” board president Carolyn Smith. “I’m very grateful to the board for its thoughtful consideration about this venture and I congratulate CEO Bruce Katsiff for his tireless effort in making the project a reality.”

The planned branch is closer to reality with the receipt of $100,000 from Congressman Greenwood’s office via an appropriations bill now on President Bush’s desk, and another $100,000 from Manual Stamatakis, chairman of the Delaware River Port Authority. An important lead state grant of $100,000 from Senator Joe Conti and another $100,000 state grant from Chuck McIllhinney were also announced. Additional private contributions of $500,000 bring the total of committed funds to more than $900,000, within striking distance of the $1 million goal.

Support for the project has been strong, and museum officials say they are confident that they will raise the remaining money needed to complete the goal.

“We are truly excited about building a new museum in this community,” said Bruce Katsiff, museum director and CEO. “New Hope has always been the spark for creativity in Bucks County.”