Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs has landed the Institute for Museum and Library Services National Medal for Community Service. The award stands out as only 10 museums and libraries around the country are awarded it each year.
U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama will award the medals at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. at the White House on June 1st.
There are more than 100 exhibits and workstations for children to explore at the museum, which is the state’s oldest and largest science center. The museum, which opened in 1979 and is the state’s only Smithsonian affiliate, reopened last year after renovations care of a $7.8 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. New additions include the Bob Wheeler Science Skywalk, which extends out from the main building into the forest canopy surrounding the museum, and a 50-seat digital dome theater-the only digital dome theater in the state. The museum, which sits on 21 wooded acres, is also home to features such as the world’s largest conical Tesla coil.
Congressman Bruce Westerman nominated Mid-America for the award. “The museum’s focus on bringing science education to the masses and doing so in a fun way has made it a leader in the state and nation,” he said via a news releases. “Mid-America’s recent expansion continues its mission, bringing science to life for generations to come. The award confirms what we in Arkansas have known for many years—that Mid-America is a world-class museum providing a world-class educational experience to Arkansas’ next generation.”
Mid-America Science Museum is located at 500 Mid America Boulevard. For more details call 767-3461 or visit midamericamuseum.org.