October 13 – The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga was one of five museums and five libraries recently selected for the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries that make extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental and social contributions. The award will be presented in an upcoming Washington, D.C., ceremony, and each institution will also receive a $10,000 award.

“The Tennessee Aquarium is much more than a tourist attraction. In addition to water research and environmental stewardship, the Tennessee Aquarium presents an educational and inspiring journey of our freshwater and saltwater bodies from the mountains to the sea,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. “This recognition by the Institute of Museum and Library Services moves the Tennessee Aquarium into greater prominence and celebrates its significant contributions to our community.”

Founded just 17 years ago, the Tennessee Aquarium has dedicated its staff and resources to educating the next generation of environmental stewards, protecting and restoring wildlife through conservation and research and providing community leadership through partnerships and collaborations. These goals are reflected in the Aquarium’s robust array of educational exhibits and programs, including the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, which highlight freshwater and saltwater creatures and the River Gorge Explorer, a 70-passenger, high-speed catamaran that takes adventurers into the protected Tennessee River Gorge. Through its work, the aquarium has contributed to the ecological well-being and cultural and economic revitalization of its Chattanooga community.