Additional $1 million raised since public launch, including gift from ExxonMobil

MOBILE, Ala. ? The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico announced that the Charting the Course Capital Campaign has topped the $7 million mark thanks to donors who have committed over $1 million since the campaign?s official launch in June 2007.

A donation of $300,000 from Exxon Mobil Corporation propelled the campaign over $7 million, according to Tony Zodrow, Executive Director of the Maritime Museum. ?The Gulf of Mexico provides invaluable oil and natural gas resources for the nation?s benefit, and ExxonMobil leads the way in their production,? Zodrow said. ?The Maritime Museum is honored to accept ExxonMobil?s investment, which will help underwrite the museum?s offshore platform exhibit.?

Other recent donors who have helped the campaign reach $7 million include International Shipholding Corporation, IPSCO Steel, Alabama River Pulp, Mobile Bar Pilots, The Mary Josephine Larkins Foundation, and The Ben May Charitable Trust. The campaign is generating $10 million to underwrite the Maritime Museum?s exhibits and infrastructure.

The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico is a public-private partnership between the City of Mobile and a non-profit organization that will plan exhibits and operate the museum. The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico will become the first museum to address the region?s rich maritime past, present and future ? and only the third maritime museum in the U.S. to feature hands-on, interactive exhibits.

ExxonMobil engages in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where the company has significant operations.

For more information, please contact the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, with interim offices at the International Trade Center (250 N. Water Street, Suite 131) in Mobile.

Pictured above:
Paul Dieffenthaller (left), Mobile Bay Operations Superintendent for Exxon Mobil Corporation, presents a check for $300,000 to Lee Moncrief (center), Chairman of the Charting the Course Capital Campaign, and the Honorable Sam Jones (right), Mayor of the City of Mobile, at the Board of Trustees meeting (February 26, 2008) of the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico.