GULFPORT, Miss.- Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport has earned the nations highest honor for museums or libraries and their service to the community.
It’s the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The award has been around for 22 years and always goes to those institutions that meet societies needs in sometimes out of the box ways. They also are noted for making a differnece in their community through families and individuals.
10 winners are selected from a top 30 across the nation. The award will be presented to Lynn Meadows on June 1st in Washington D.C.
Mississippi’s own senators, Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker showed their support and admiration to the institution for winning the award.
“This is a well-deserved honor for the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. This museum serves as a valuable community resource in Gulfport and throughout South Mississippi,” said Cochran, who recommended the Gulfport museum for the award. “I hope this award will fuel the museum’s drive to continue to inspire and educate young people on the Gulf Coast for many more years.”
“Since 1998, children and families across the Gulf Coast have benefited immensely from the educational opportunities provided at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center,” Sen. Roger Wicker said. “Even Hurricane Katrina could not stop this dynamic museum from giving young students a place to learn, thrive, and create. Congratulations to the leaders and staff who have earned this highly sought national recognition.”
Lynn Meadow’s was opened in 1988 and was the first children’s museum in Mississippi.
