Tellus Named Museum Organization's Institution of the Year

Tellus Science Museum received two awards, including institution of the year, at the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries annual conference on Friday.

"There are many great museums in Georgia, and to be selected as the institution of the year is a great honor. This is a great reflection on who we are and what we do," Executive Director Jose Santamaria said in a release. "Tellus is a team effort. Many people share in this award, and I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our staff, volunteers, board and members. We are all part of this success."

Tellus astronomer David Dundee received the lifetime achievement award in recognition of his nearly four decades of work in museums, such as Tellus, the American Museum of Natural History and the Fernbank Science Center.

"I am honored to receive this prestigious award," Dundee said. "I am truly blessed to have had a career doing something I truly love to do."

Dundee is a two-time president and vice president of GAMG and was awarded the individual museum professional of the year award twice in the past 17 years. He joined Tellus before it opened in 2009 and helped set up observatory and the planetarium, as well as space-based curriculum used in many school programs.

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