Local Bank Underwrites Museum Admissions For MLK Day

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Citizens Bank is underwriting the African American Museum's commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 17th, the 25th anniversary of the MLK federal holiday.

Holding up a $25,000 check inside the museum at 7th and Arch Streets, Citizens Bank CEO Daniel Fitzpatrick (far right in photo) said that upwards of 3,000 people will be able to get into the museum free of charge on Martin Luther King Day.

"The main thing we want to do is create access and awareness of the treasure that we have here at the African American Museum," he said.

Among the range of activities will be a scavenger hunt to help children learn their way around the museum. They'll get clues to find specific artifacts, and get a copy of "Martin's Big Words," a picture book biography of the civil rights leader.

The museum's Romona Riscoe Benson (second from left) also says that high school students will be writing essays on the theme,"I Have A Dream."

"The selected winners will read their essays that day and receive cash prizes," she told KYW Newsradio.

Off the cuff, Mayor Nutter threw in another incentive:

"We will host them at the mayor's box at Citizens Bank Park to see our world champion Phillies," the mayor announced.

Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio 1060.