TUPPER LAKE – The highest museum exhibit in New York won an Award of Merit in the ‘Innovation in Interpretation’ category from the Museum Association of New York. Awarded at MANY’s annual conference on March 31, Whiteface Mountain: The Exhibit was recognized for its engaging programs that enlivened participation in the community. There was a large and diverse pool of nominations this year. Other winners include The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Museum of Modern Art, both in New York City.

A total of 15 projects, ranging from exhibitions to educational programs, received recognition. Eight of these received an Award of Merit, the highest honor, given to institutions or individuals whose projects represent outstanding contributions to the field and overall innovation and excellence.

“This award is not only for the quality of the exhibition,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director of The Wild Center. “It also awards the collaborative effort that continues to grow in the Adirondacks. When organizations work together we can create something that is truly world-class and award-winning. We would like to share this award with everyone who contributed to the project, including ANCA, ORDA, state Department of Transportation, Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, state Department of Environmental Conservation, Adirondack Mountain Club, Wildlife Conservation Society, Adirondack Nature Conservancy, Ausable River Association, Wilmington Historical Society, Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, SUNY Plattsburgh Geology Department, New York Natural Heritage Program and the Town of Wilmington.”

The exhibit builds onto the many attractions already on the summit and around the mountain. Drive up the Veterans’ Memorial Highway, walk the alpine nature trail, travel through a 426 ft. long mountain tunnel and ride an elevator to the Round House and Weather Station on the summit of Whiteface. On the way, explore vibrant signs, interactive exhibits, videos, 3-D models and panoramas that interpret the natural history of Whiteface Mountain and the Adirondacks, including geology, alpine flora and fauna, watersheds and weather.

For those who can’t make it to Whiteface, two real-time web cameras, one from the Summit and one looking towards Whiteface, make the mountain available to everyone wildcenter.org/cams/whitefacesummit.html and wildcenter.org/cams/whitefaceview.html.