10. Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN

Press Contact: Thom Benson, 423-785-3007, tlb@tnaqua.org
Web Site: http://www.tnaqua.org/Home.aspx

Aquarium visitors learn how nature fuels artistic expression in the new Jellies: Living Art gallery. Photo by Todd Stailey, Tennessee Aquarium

Founded just 17 years ago, the Tennessee Aquarium has dedicated its staff and resources to educating the next generation of environmental stewards, protecting and restoring wildlife through conservation and research, and providing community leadership through partnerships and collaborations. All of these goals are dynamically reflected in a robust array of educational exhibits and programs, including the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, which highlight freshwater and saltwater creatures, respectively, and the River Gorge Explorer, a 70-passenger, high-speed catamaran that takes adventurers into the protected Tennessee River Gorge. Through its work, the aquarium has contributed to the ecological well-being and cultural and economic revitalization of its Chattanooga community.

U.S. Senator Bob Corker (TN) “I congratulate the Tennessee Aquarium for being recognized at the national level for its outstanding record of service to the Chattanooga area, the state of Tennessee, and the nation. The aquarium is a valuable educational resource and a significant contributor to the life and vitality of downtown Chattanooga.”

U.S. Representative Zach Wamp (TN-03) “The Tennessee Aquarium is much more than a tourist attraction. In addition to water research and environmental stewardship, the Tennessee Aquarium presents an educational and inspiring journey of our freshwater and saltwater bodies from the mountains to the sea. This recognition by the Institute of Museum and Library Services moves the Tennessee Aquarium into greater prominence and celebrates its significant contributions to our community.”