National Trust for Historic Preservation Recognizes the Aquarium!

The New England Aquarium was built 40 years ago, and this anniversary is starting out with some amazing recognition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Their Partners in Preservation grant program has recognized the Aquarium as part of Boston's rich historical heritage.



Starting today people can cast their vote for 25 Boston-area landmarks. Daily voting lasts until May 17, when the winner will be announced and automatically given a grant.

If the Aquarium is fortunate enough to win a grant, it will be used to restore the internal concrete to its original 1969 finish, giving visitors an idea of what it was like to step into the Aquarium when it opened and made the Boston waterfront a major attraction.



This is an amazing piece of recognition for the Aquarium, which is considered the first modern aquarium in the world. It inspired similar projects in Baltimore, Monterey Bay and Okinawa. Its architecture is truly inspiring. When you step inside the main doors, you are greeted by the towering Giant Ocean Tank and surrounded by penguins and a series of colorful tropical fish exhibits along the walls.

It's also an important step for joining an environmental conservation organization like the Aquarium with a cultural preservation organization like the National Trust. The values that the Aquarium was founded on now seem to be part of the Boston's cultural identity.

Help support the Aquarium by participating in the daily voting. You can sign up for reminders to vote here. Be sure to register and vote daily here.