Page 35 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2018

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The WINGS Performing Arts & Education Center opens
at LMDC. In addition to a theatre, the facility includes a Viking kitchen donated
by Emeril Lagasse, a cafe, expansive foyer and upstairs offices.
Planning continues for Kids Street, where children can explore what goes on behind the four walls of a house. A project of
the Homebuilders Association of the Mississippi Coast, Kids Street opens in 2010.
2009
2014
2005
On a brighter note... 2005 is also the beginning of Bear
Cub Club, a fun early childhood learning program led by Director Kathy Burns.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant contributions
Executive Director Cindy DeFrances and WINGS student Brandon Spann accept the National Medal from First Lady
Michelle Obama.
The WINGS Performing Arts Program is established at LMDC, nurturing talent, spirit and leadership in our youth. Tonya Hays takes the lead
in 2000. It will go on to win numerous local, regional and national theatre awards.
1999
Porthole; To Market, To Market; The History Attic; A Matter of Science; Bear Camp Bayou; Art Knows Anything Goes and the Super Colossal Climbing Structure, as well as Tree House Village, The Discovery Store, an organic garden and more.
Members of the Board of Trustees at the opening of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center on May 16, 1998.
A marketing grant resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Incident allows for the purchase of a beachfront sign, giving LMDC the presence it deserves.
to their communities, presented by First Lady Michelle Obama.
2016
Construction begins on a new admissions building, generously donated by Elliott Homes and other community partners. Included is a new gift shop to replace The Discovery
Store destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
2017
2018
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center celebrates 20 years of inspiring children, families and communities through the arts, interactive educational experiences and exploration. This year, LMDC will also welcome the one millionth visitor through its bright blue doors. Some of the
exhibits from 1998 are still favorites; some have been replaced by new features. LMDC looks forward to another 20 years of reaching for
the stars!
On August 29, Hurricane Katrina, “the
worst natural disaster in US history,” makes landfall on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The storm surge reduces the entire first floor of the museum to rubble and causes destruction
to many of the facilities. With the help of the community, the museum reopens in September 2006.
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May 2018 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 35