PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (January 23, 2011) — The Calvert Marine Museum has been selected by the readers of Maryland Life Magazine as the Free State's Finest Museum in the southern region.
The magazine's 300,000+ readers voted on their picks for the Best of the Best for the Maryland region in which they live. The winners will be officially announced in the March/April issue. A Free State's Finest reception is scheduled for Maryland Day, March 25, for award presentations.
"This is an honor we appreciate and work hard to deserve," said museum Director Doug Alves. "We tell the story of the natural and cultural history of Southern Maryland in an engaging, educational and fun manner. But it is more than that. It is the people who make the difference. The paid staff, as well as nearly 250 volunteers, personalize the visitors' experience, make them feel at home and engage them to learn and enjoy the many things we have to offer. We try to not only meet our visitors' expectations, but to exceed them."
The museum features the largest Miocene fossil collection outside of the Smithsonian, including the remains of great white sharks that were the size of a tour bus; a 15-tank aquarium that features the fish, jellyfish and other creatures who inhabit the Bay and rivers, including two river otters, Bubbles and Squeak; and boats, two lighthouses, an oyster canning facility and cruises on a 111-year-old Bugeye - plus much more.
Even the youngest visitors let staff know how much they enjoy the museum. As Alves recalls, years ago a girl left a note in his suggestion box saying, "I'm 12 years old and easily bored, but this place is great and I am glad my mother made me come." Recently a six-year-old wrote, "This place is the best place."
Visit the museum online at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.
Source: Calvert County Board of Commissioners