ABOVE: Mark Boughton, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services; Hank Webster, Deputy Commissioner of Energy at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP); Richard Blumenthal, United States Senator; Aundré Bumgardner, Connecticut State Representative; Danielle Chesebrough, Stonington First Selectman; Deborah Downie, Stonington Selectwoman; Heather Somers, Connecticut State Senator; Peter Armstrong, Mystic Seaport Museum President RIGHT: Solar panels on the roof of the historic Rossie Mill
MUSEUM ANNOUNCES LOW CARBON TRANSFORMATION
On July 29, one of the hottest days in the hottest July on record, the Museum announced its groundbreaking low-carbon transformation strategy. Dignitaries from national and state governments joined President Peter Armstrong to hear of plans that will see the Museum further reduce its environmental impact wherever possible, be it through implementing renewable energy sources, energy-efficient infrastructure upgrades, or adopting environmentally sustainable practices throughout the institution’s operations. These new efforts will be a continuation of the great work already done, including the use of geothermal heating and cooling in the Thompson Exhibition Building, the installation of solar panels on the roof of the historic Rossie Mill which houses the Collections Research Center, and the initiative to reduce single-use plastics for which the American Alliance of Museums recognized the Museum. Fittingly the announcement took place in front of Sabino, whose recent engine conversion has resulted in a 95% reduction of the vessel's carbon footprint. With such a huge threat as climate change, it is easy to feel that the Museum’s individual efforts appear insignificant against the challenges the world faces. The actions of this museum could be seen as just a drop in the ocean. However, we at Mystic Seaport Museum believe that the sea connects us all and any action we take as America’s leading maritime museum, no matter how small, has a ripple effect that can create meaningful change. As the Museum heads toward its Centennial in 2030, we have made this commitment to recognize that the preservation of our shared heritage is vital if we wish to make a difference in the future. As President Kennedy said, “We have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean.” Peter Armstrong, President
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