After Receiving Shedd Postcard Half a Century Later, Virginia Man to Visit Aquarium

Shedd Welcomes Scott McMurry to Experience Chicago Trip Taken By His Parents 54 Years Earlier

CHICAGO--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Toting a two-cent stamp, a Shedd Aquarium postcard sent by two loving parents to their teenage son during a trip to the Windy City in 1957 arrived last week to its rightful recipient, Scott McMurry. This Thursday, May 3, the now 71-year-old Virginia man will see the iconic Chicago aquarium that his late parents visited over 50 years ago, with the help of Shedd and its travel partners – United Airlines, the official airline of Shedd Aquarium, and Swissotel Chicago.

“We couldn’t pass on the opportunity to continue the tradition of sharing those learning experiences that his parents started in 1957, connecting generations of families to our mission as The World’s Aquarium.”

“A story such as Mr. McMurry’s is a rarity. Since 1930, Shedd Aquarium has been a place for families to create meaningful memories with the living world,” said President and CEO Ted Beattie. “We couldn’t pass on the opportunity to continue the tradition of sharing those learning experiences that his parents started in 1957, connecting generations of families to our mission as The World’s Aquarium.”

The long-lost postcard piqued international attention after being delivered to a Florida schoolteacher, who was able to track down McMurry by posting a photo of the postcard on Facebook. Officials have tracked the postcard’s journey from Chicago to Michigan to Florida until it was finally hand delivered to McMurry at his Virginia home.

“I’ve never explored anything other than the airports in Chicago. I’m thrilled at Shedd’s invitation to actually see the city for the first time,” said McMurry, who is a historian for the Justice Department. “It’s strangely wonderful timing too as I’ve been planning to get my own home aquarium. I’ve always been interested in freshwater fish, so this visit to Shedd will surely be a memorable experience for me.”

On Thursday, McMurry’s tour of the aquarium will feature Shedd’s original galleries housed within the aquarium’s 300-foot octagonal building built in 1930 for The World’s Fair. Escorted by Shedd officials, McMurry will also stop by one of its oldest residents, Granddad, an Australian Lungfish who was at Shedd during the time of his parents’ trip and is now the oldest living fish in any aquarium in the world.

“Shedd’s original galleries are reminiscent of the aquarium’s history, allowing Mr. McMurry to see what his parents saw during their trip,” continued Beattie. “Shedd has grown quite a bit since then and we’re looking forward to providing him with an incredible experience to match his extraordinary tale.”

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:

With the two-cent stamped postcard in hand, Scott McMurry will be at Shedd on Thursday, May 3 at 10 a.m. for a short media opportunity as he is welcomed by Shedd officials. McMurry will be available for interviews at 10 a.m.

Shedd Aquarium is supported by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District.

Shedd Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.

Connect with Shedd Aquarium online through Facebook; Twitter; YouTube; and Flickr.