Page 26 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2016

COASTNOTES PROMOTING
LIFELONG LEARNING
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center named National Medal Finalist
story by Lynn Lofton photos by James Edward Bates and courtesy of Lynn Meadows Discover Center
AT LYNN MEADOWS DISCOVERY CENTER, a child can participate in a variety of hands-on experiences.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center for Children has been named a finalist for the 2016 National Medal award, the nation’s highest honor given
to museums and libraries by the Institute of Museum and Library Services in recognition of exceptional service to the community and for making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
This year’s finalists include individual
public libraries, university libraries, science, history, and children’s museums, and many other types of institutions that exemplify the great diversity of libraries and museums across the country.
This honor recognizes the contributions of programs at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center for Children such as Bear Cub Club, WINGS Performing Arts, summer camps and educational exhibits.
“The shouts and giggles we hear every day are confirmation enough for us, but it sure doesn’t hurt to hear that we have been selected as a finalist in recognition of exceptional service to our community,” said Cindy DeFrances, executive director of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center for Children. “Our visitors know that we offer an experience like no other children’s museum in Mississippi or along the Coast, one where we inspire children, families, and communities through interactive educational experiences and exploration. At the center, a child can participate in activities as varied as spotting a lion from a safari jeep in Africa to climbing into a tree house in the oaks.”
“As beacons of educational opportunities, resources, and civic and cultural inspiration, museums and libraries provide increasingly essential services to our nation,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We applaud Lynn Meadows Discovery Center as a national leader
in promoting lifelong learning while engaging and enriching the public.”
The National Medal winners will be named later this spring, and representatives from winning institutions will travel to Washington, D.C., to be honored at the National Medal award ceremony.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport • 228.897.6039 • www.lmdc.org
26 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2016
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