Senate Resolution 128

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MISSISSIPPI CHILDREN'S MUSEUM (MCM) FOR BEING RECOGNIZED AS THE THIRD-BEST CHILDREN'S MUSEUM IN THE COUNTRY BY USA TODAY 2024 READER'S CHOICE TRAVEL AWARDS.

WHEREAS, we join the supporters and fans in congratulating the Mississippi Children's Museum (MCM) in Jackson, Mississippi, for being recognized as the third-best Children's Museum in the country by USA Today for the 2024 Reader's Choice Travel Awards. Twenty museums were nominated by an expert panel and nominees were voted on by museum supporters and USA Today readers; and

WHEREAS, "We're thrilled for the children of Mississippi because they deserve the very, very best," said Mississippi Children's Museum President and CEO Susan Garrard. The ever-changing exhibits and educational resources for teachers and children make it the largest cultural and educational institution for children and families in the state. "People from all over the country were voting for us, and I think that probably is a testament to our tourism strength and our impact that we bring to our community and to our tourism community," said Garrard; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Children's Museum in Jackson is the state's primary children's museum. It takes fun seriously by creating unparalleled experiences to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning. Galleries include WonderBox (state-of-the-art maker space), Wild About Reading (explore the basics of reading), Healthy Fun (body systems), and Express Yourself (hands-on STEAM activities). The maker space offers a 3-D printer and pens, robotics, circuitry, and building activities. The Mississippi Children's Museum is also home to seasonal exhibits. Exploring Mississippi features a State of Mississippi climbing map. The map is designed to familiarize kids with the diversity of Mississippi's geography and natural science, culture and history, work and leisure life, and its connections to the broader world; and

WHEREAS, our state has another thing to be proud of when it comes to learning and fun. Families flock to LeFleur's Bluff to learn and make lifetime memories; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this state-of-the-art facility that has brought national honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Mississippi Children's Museum (MCM) for being recognized as the third-best children's museum in the country by USA Today 2024 Reader's Choice Travel Awards, and extend the congratulations of the Mississippi Senate to the staff and Board of Directors of the museum for this high honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mississippi Children's Museum President Susan Garrard, forwarded to the Mississippi Arts Commission and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.