Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk will receive $194,047 in federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to empower teens to become environmental educators and advocates and to make the aquarium’s online programming more accessible to virtual visitors with special needs.
“The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is a state treasure that educates and inspires visitors of all ages,” said Himes. “These grants will make the aquarium more accessible by designing virtual exhibits with learners with special needs in mind and by providing more opportunities for teens to get involved. I’m thrilled to see federal dollars coming to such an exceptional Southwest Connecticut institution. I look forward to continuing to bring well-deserved federal recognition and resources to the Maritime Aquarium.”
“These awards for two very diverse initiatives underscore the strength and breadth of our programs on behalf of Long Island Sound and Connecticut,” said Jason Patlis, the Aquarium’s president and CEO. “We thank the IMLS for helping us to reach and inspire more members across our community.”
The aquarium will receive $144,440 from the IMLS’ Museums for America grant to implement its Marine Debris Prevention Corps to empower teens to become environmental community leaders. Additionally, the aquarium will receive $49,607 from IMLS’ Inspire! Grants for Small Museums to create virtual programming designed for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
According to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, the institution’s mission is to inspire people of all ages to appreciate and protect the Long Island Sound ecosystem and the global environment through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education. Click here to learn more.
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