A family walks down the pathway toward the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point, surrounded by American flags and calm waters.
A family walks down the pathway toward the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point, surrounded by American flags and calm waters.
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Patriots Point Welcomes Nine Millionth Visitor

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The Matney is pictured with (from left) Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette, Patriots Point Development Authority Board Member Susan Marlowe and former Governor James B. Edwards (far right), who served as Governor of the State of South Carolina when the museum opened.[/caption]

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum welcomed its nine millionth paid visitor since the museum’s inception in 1976.  The lucky guest, David Matney from Bristol, Tennessee, was recognized during a special ceremony and received a prize package valued at nearly $2,500.  He visited Patriots Point today with his wife, Stephanie, and their three daughters: Emily, 16; Morgan, 13; and Olivia, 9.

“This is an exciting day for all of us at Patriots Point,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “We sincerely appreciate the support and patronage of our local and out of town visitors and we were thrilled to recognize Mr. Matney as our nine millionth visitor.”

“When we got our start almost forty years ago, we were the first aircraft carrier museum in the nation. Since that time, we have welcomed millions of students, generations of families, and countless veterans. Our museum’s nine million visitors have contributed significantly to our region’s economy since 1976,” he continued, estimating that over the past 37 years that Patriots Point has had an economic impact on the region and state of over $700 million. “We take as much pride in welcoming visitors today as we did the day we opened – on January 3, 1976.”

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MUSEUM MILESTONES
Patriots Point opened to the public on January 3, 1976.[/caption]

Thanks to the generous support of community partners, Patriots Point presented Mr. Matney with a prize package valued at nearly $2,500. He will enjoy a private three-course dinner for two aboard the USS Yorktown (donated by Corporate Events and Catered Affairs), a Charleston Harbor tour for four (donated by SpiritLine Cruises), a carriage tour for four (donated by Palmetto Carriage Works), and a two–night stay for a family of four plus dinner and breakfast (donated by Bennett Hospitality). Mr. Matney also received a voucher for a Carnival Cruise for two people, a helicopter ride at Patriots Point with PeeDee Helicopter, an experience in the Patriots Point Flight Simulator courtesy of Flight Avionics, Inc., merchandise from the Patriots Point Ship’s Store gift shop, and a one year Membership for free future visits to Patriots Point.