Mystic Aquarium

For the first time since its founding 38 years ago, Sea Research Foundation’s Mystic Aquarium admitted more than 18,000 guests from surrounding towns over three spring weekends as part of its “Your Town” free admission program. The estimated retail value of the free admissions is over $400,000.

“The success of Mystic Aquarium depends on our local communities,” says Sea Research Foundation President & CEO Stephen M. Coan. “We opened Mystic Aquarium’s doors to welcome our neighbors, and to thank and celebrate them for their continued support. We were pleased to see first-time visitors and those who haven’t had the opportunity to visit us recently.”

Visitors from southern Rhode Island and Connecticut flocked to the aquarium during the three weekends. An online and print media program, co-sponsored by local publishing companies, targeted towns surrounding the aquarium to inform residents about the “Your Town” program.

Aquarium staff was impressed by the enthusiastic response to the program. “People thanked us profusely,” said Mystic Aquarium Guest Services Director Celinda Beaudreau. “Many commented that they had been unable to visit for several years due to the bad economy or job loss and were thrilled by the chance to bring the whole family. One family with nine children in tow was especially grateful for the free admission made possible by the ‘Your Town’ program.”

“Your Town” weekends included:

March 12 & 13   Rhode Island: Westerly, Hopkinton, Charlestown
April 9 & 10       Connecticut: Mystic, Stonington, North Stonington, Ledyard, Preston, Groton
May 21 & 22      Connecticut: Waterford, Montville, Norwich, Preston

“Your Town” was presented in collaboration with The Day Publishing Company and The Westerly Sun.

About Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only beluga whales. Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration. Learn more at www.mysticaquarium.org or www.searesearch.org.

###