The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast Launches New Fishing and Boating Exhibit with support of Area Donors and Supporters

Jensen Beach, FL, October 7, 2021 (ongoing)

The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast unveiled a new, historic Fishing and Boating Exhibit Thursday, October 7 in Jensen Beach. Unique to Southeast Florida, the new exhibit features a one-of-a-kind, hands-on interactive display which includes a full-scale sport fishing boat, a small fishing boat, moorings and piers, and 3D artistic creations by local area artists and sculptors.

Aubrey Riedinger, Michael Simmons and Ziona Sygney

For the past two months, the Explorer’s Gallery, known for its Spanish galleon the Marti Frances, has been draped behind deep blue curtains as designers, carpenters, artists, and museum staff worked to create the detailed educational display. On Thursday evening, the curtains were pulled back to reveal the new permanent exhibit, to the delight of both children and adults. Guests of the Museum included muralist, Mark Johnson, who created the custom mural featuring a leaping tarpon, and artist, Brent McAhern, who fabricated the 3D Mangrove display using upcycled natural materials.

“It’s truly amazing how so many people came together to create this interactive exhibit. During the build I witnessed everyone involved show their passion with new ideas to make the exhibit better,” announced Katie Makemson, Exhibits Project Manager for the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast. “I’ve been so excited to see the children come learn about the local fish and how to stay safe and keep our waters clean,” added Makemson.

Sport Fish Boat designed by Mr. Jeffrey Sweeten

“Without the generous support of donors and sponsors, the new exhibit would not have come together,” explained Makemson. “The design, build, and launch was truly a community project, spanning just over two months of work on the construction alone,” she noted. The Children’s Museum is deeply grateful for the following donors and contributors: The Bauman Family Foundation, Michael and Marsha Cetta, Tracy Armstrong and Mr. Chris Clifton, Jeffrey Sweeten, Tom Whittington, Todd Kawecki, Ebersold Boatworks, Stuart Plumbing, C2 Equipment Rental, Elev8Hope, Sparks Steak House, Kibbey Wagner Attorneys at Law, Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales, America’s Boating Club, Apex Marine, Fish Eye Graphics, Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast, The Basil Family, and McCarthy, Summers, Wood, Norman, Melby, and Schultz PA.

The new Boating and Fishing Exhibit reflects the area’s culture and traditions in an interactive way. From our local fresh seafood, to our beautiful blue-green coastal waterways, to our outdoor lifestyle out on the sandbar, boating and fishing defines life here on the Treasure Coast. “This exhibit is just the beginning,” announced Makemson. “We are evolving and growing every year, with each new addition. You’ll be amazed at what we’re doing next.”