Archived Press Releases
Dr. John Mattern II receives Golden Paw Award from Virginia Living Museum
Feb. 8, 2005
The Virginia Living Museum has given its highest honor, the Golden Paw Award, to Dr. John Quincy Adams Mattern, II, M.D., for outstanding service to the Museum for the past 25 years.
While president of the museum's Board of Trustees in the 1980s, Dr. Mattern was instrumental in developing and implementing the transformation of the Peninsula Nature and Science Center into the Virginia Living Museum.
He, along with a strong group of fellow supporters and enthusiasts, raised more than $3 million dollars for that expansion.
The American Association of Museums began the process of reaccrediting the museum in its new format under Dr. Mattern's leadership.
Dr. Mattern joined the Board of Trustees in 1979, served as Vice President for Personnel from 1980 to 1982 and was President from 1983 to 1985.
Since leaving the Board of Trustees, Dr. Mattern has continued to work for the museum by serving on the Board of Advisors and has been very involved in the current capital campaign. Always willing to promote the museum at every opportunity, Dr. Mattern has also donated canoes and the use of his Wintergreen condo for numerous silent auctions.
"This institution (the VLM) makes Newport News a better place to live and a better place to raise our children and grandchildren," said Dr. Mattern after being presented with the award, a bronze statue of a bobcat crafted by Eastern Shore sculptor David Turner. "This honor is the best thing that has happened to us in a long time."
A dedicated husband, father and grandfather, Dr. Mattern has instilled in his family the motto of "service to church, school and community."
He is active in several charitable organizations, including the Red Cross, United Way, the American Cancer Society and the Warwick Rotary Club.
A resident of Newport News, Dr. Mattern is affiliated with Virginia Oncology Associates, which has offices in Newport News, Hampton and Williamsburg.
The award was presented at the museum's annual Heron Society Dinner, held Feb. 5 at the museum.