[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[House]
[Pages 6888-6889]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING MYSTIC AQUARIUM

  (Mr. COURTNEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I am proud to announce that this 
Thursday Mystic Aquarium of Mystic, Connecticut, will be awarded the 
2014 Institute for Museum and Library Service's 2014 National Medal. 
This prestigious award is only given to 10 institutions each year, and 
it is the highest honor bestowed upon museums and libraries for 
exceptional service to their communities. The award will be presented 
by First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House in commemoration of the 
20th anniversary of the medals program.
  Mystic Aquarium is a crown jewel of eastern Connecticut. Founded in 
1973, it has more than 4,000 animals and over 300 species, including 
New England's only beluga whale. It has played an important role for 
Connecticut residents and visitors alike, with numerous education, 
research, and cultural exchange programs for students from around the 
country.
  Dr. Stephen Coan, CEO and president of Sea Research Foundation, the 
parent of Mystic Aquarium, will accept the award on behalf of the 
aquarium. It has pioneered ocean exploration, including extensive 
undersea research in

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the submersible, the Nautilus, skippered by Dr. Robert Ballard, best 
known for his discovery of the Titanic.
  Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate Mystic Aquarium and Dr. Coan as 
they receive the 2014 IMLS National Medal. I thank them for their 
monumental dedication and contribution to the Mystic community.

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