Maritime Aquarium named finalist for national award
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is among 30 finalists for the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced its list of finalist on Thursday. The Maritime Aquarium is the only aquarium in the United States selected as a finalist this year, and one of only two institutions — along with the Ferguson Library in Stamford — named in Connecticut.
The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities.
“We’re ecstatic and honored we’re among the finalists selected,” said Maritime Aquarium President and CEO Jason Patlis. “Even among the finalists, it’s a very select group . ... The one-word criterion they used for selection is ‘impact.’ It’s a testament to the impact the Maritime Aquarium has on the community. It’s an illustrious group. We’re honored to be part of it.”
For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. Six National Medal winners will be announced in May.
The Maritime Aquarium, which reopened to the public in June after being closed several months due to COVID, has been offering virtual programming to students both across the country and the world during the pandemic. It also recently opened a new 4D theater which replaces its IMAX theater.
Representatives from the six winning institutions will be honored during a virtual National Medal Ceremony this summer.
Recent winners in Connecticut include the New Haven Free Public Library in 2019, the Otis Library in Norwich in 2016 and Mystic Aquarium in 2014.
The Maritime Aquarium was nominated for the 2021 award by U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, and its application included letters of support from Himes; U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal; U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy; Tina Henckel, director of STEM education for the Norwalk Public Schools; and Tammy Papa, director of Youth Services and the Lighthouse Program for youths in Bridgeport.