NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — One of Hampton Road's finest museums is nominated for the nation's highest award given to libraries and museums.
The Mariner's Museum and Park in Newport News is nominated for the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Services. It is the highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.
"Receiving this honor really is a testament of the work that we are doing and the impact that we are having, on the community it's the highest recognition libraries and museums get in the country," said Luisa Vazquez-Lopez, Chief of Staff at the museum.
It's the first time the museum has been nominated for the honor, and it is the only museum in Virginia to be nominated in 2024. It is also the only nominated museum to focus on maritime history.
Founded in 1930, Vazquez-Lopez told 13News Now giving community support and preserving its history is written into its charter.
"We try to live up to that every day," said Vazquez-Lopez. "It's our most important mission, and to be recognized for that is amazing."
Admission into the museum is priced for only one dollar and the museum is open every day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some exceptions for holidays.
National Medal winners will be announced in late May. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during an in-person National Medals Ceremony in Washington, DC come summer.
To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.
