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Community Corner

Mystic Aquarium Wins National Medal from The Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has chosen Mystic Aquarium as the only aquarium or zoo nationwide to receive its National Medal for Museum and Library Service for 2014. Mystic Aquarium made the announcement today at a press conference attended by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) and Senator Christopher Murphy (D-Conn).  Both Senators supported the nomination of Mystic Aquarium for the award.

 

Dr. Stephen M. Coan, President and CEO of Sea Research Foundation, the parent of Mystic Aquarium, will accept the Medal May 8, 2014 at an awards ceremony hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House in Washington, D.C.

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Mystic Aquarium is the first aquarium to be awarded an IMLS National Medal since the Tennessee Aquarium in 2009.

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“It is an honor of the greatest magnitude to be recognized as a top institution among so many worthy candidates across the country,” said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, . “We have worked hard with our many educational and public engagement programs to make Mystic Aquarium an enjoyable family destination that seeks to steward our oceans and aquatic creatures, and through outreach helps everyone learn about and understand the wonderful and fragile ecosystem around them.”

 

Senator Blumenthal said: “Mystic Aquarium is a dynamic, critically important and prominent institution in the State of Connecticut serving more than 700,000 people annually. It deserves to be recognized on a national scale.”

 

Senator Murphy said: “Mystic Aquarium is a true State treasure. Its commitment to educating the community and visitors about ocean life and exploration, as well as the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources, has made a hugely positive impact on the country.”

 

Mystic Aquarium was one of four Connecticut finalists considered for the National Medal, along with the Hartford Public Library, Mattatuck Museum and Otis Library. A total of 30 institutions across the country were finalists, from which ten winners were ultimately chosen.  

 

The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to their communities.  The Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent agency of the U.S. government with the mission to create strong libraries and museums that connect people with information and ideas, is celebrating its 20th year of saluting institutions that make a difference for individuals, families and communities. 

 

The work of Mystic Aquarium was brought to the attention of Susan H. Hildreth, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, by some of Connecticut’s most prominent cultural, education and government leaders. Rodney A. Butler, Mystic Aquarium Trustee and Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, nominated the Aquarium for the National Medal, noting the pivotal role the Aquarium plays with its education and cultural exchange program for Native American high school students from the village of Point Lay, Alaska, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in southeastern Connecticut. 

 

The Aquarium urges its supporters to visit the IMLS Facebook page www.facebook.com/USIMLS to share their stories.

 

 

For Further Information:

Jacinta Simoncini                            

Mystic Aquarium

(860) 572-5955 Ext. 519                  

Cell: (860) 625-1963                        

jsimoncini@searesearch.org    

 

Mary Frances Duffy

The Dilenschneider Group

(212) 922-0900

mduffy@dgi-nyc.com

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