Mystic Seaport Museum and the Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC) launched a new three-year partnership in recognition of the enduring importance of museums and libraries to our communities. On behalf of the Museum, the CLC is managing an annual lottery for five free Mystic Seaport Museum Library Memberships, underwritten by the Museum’s Susan Lewin Memorial Library Membership Program.
The five winning libraries – drawn at random from CLC’s membership roster of libraries in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York – will enjoy all the benefits of library membership at the Museum for one year:
- One library pass for each day of the week that entitles up to two adults and three youth/children ages 3-17 to receive 50 percent off regular admission to Mystic Seaport Museum (children ages 2 and younger are free);
- A non-transferable Director’s Card that entitles the bearer to one year’s free admission as well as discounts at the Museum Store and our various restaurants;
- A subscription to Mystic Seaport Museum Magazine.
This year’s winners are Kent Memorial Library, Weston Public Library, Southington Public Library, Scotland Public Library, and Otis Library in Norwich.
The Susan Lewin Memorial Library Membership Program honors the memory of Susan Lewin, who died in 2013.
“Susan was an ardent believer in the power of museums and libraries to foster community, civic engagement and life-long learning. She loved Mystic Seaport Museum and was committed, through her philanthropic support, to the goal of increasing access to museum resources for under-served audiences. She was the driving force behind the initiation of the Museum’s Library Membership Program in 2003,” said Museum President Steve White.
“The Connecticut Library Consortium is thrilled to partner with Mystic Seaport Museum on this exciting library program and partnership to provide increased access to the Museum and its programs for our members,” said Jennifer Keohane, executive director of the CLC.
The inaugural winners were determined Tuesday evening at a special event celebrating the new partnership. Librarians from across the state as well as Museum Library Members came to hear a presentation on the artist J.M.W. Turner by Elysa Engelman, Ph.D., director of Exhibits, followed by a private viewing of the Museum’s acclaimed new exhibition J.M.W. Turner: Watercolors from Tate.
Libraries who would like to consider Mystic Seaport Museum Library Membership for their communities should reach out to Margaret Milnes, director of Membership and Corporate Partnerships, at Mystic Seaport Museum at margaret.milnes@mysticseaport.org/.
