As the account of Noah’s Ark and the Flood continues to capture the imagination of all sectors in America, nearly every culture boasts well-known accounts of a massive flood that has elements very similar to the biblical Flood (going back even to the time of the Babylonians).
In November, 2009, a CBS News survey revealed the finding that the remains of Noah’s Ark would be the greatest archaeological discovery of our day. CBS News stated: “CBS’ 60 Minutes news program, in conjunction with Vanity Fair magazine, recently conducted a web survey asking which archaeological discovery people would most want to see made next. The response: Noah’s Ark (43%), Atlantis (18%) Amelia Earhart’s plane (16%), Nixon’s lost tapes (13%), and Cleopatra’s barge (5%).” [1]
The article continued: “Noah’s Ark continues to capture the imagination of the general public, and this interest spans all social, religious, and economic segments. The Ark and the Flood is one of the few historical events which are well known in the worldwide global circle.”
The ministry leaders at Answers in Genesis (AiG) began discussing the idea of assembling virtually the same team that designed and built the Creation Museum, to have them start researching and then building a full-scale Noah’s Ark.
Following this discussion, AiG needed to determine if there would be an audience for this type of attraction. The ministry turned once again to America’s Research Group (ARG), headed by Britt Beemer. Previously, ARG had successfully predicted first-year attendance at the Creation Museum to be around 400,000. It was a statistical bull’s-eye.
In a new national survey of individuals (whether they were religious or not), the question was asked: “If a replica of the Ark were constructed in America, would you take your family to see it?” The answer was a resounding yes—63 percent of respondents (representing 194 million Americans). ARG was then asked to give a realistic estimate of the number of people who would visit the Ark in the first year, which has been determined to be around 1.6 million individuals.
With this kind of statistical support, AiG began gathering estimates, developing funding strategies, and scouting possible land parcels in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.
This past October we had Ken Hamm and team speak at our All Pastor's Conference in Acme (Traverce City Resort), Mi. The attendees were required to read "Already Gone" before the conference. We as a District are promoting AiG materials to our congregations and schools in the hope of keeping our younger generation fully engaged in their faith and church as they mature. I was wondering if I spearhead a fund raising program in the Michigan District and we eventually reach at least $5000 by June 2014, can we get a beam donor designation?
Who do I want to meet in heaven, after the Lord and loved ones? The answer is: Noah's wife. I want to hear her story, what she packed, what she should of packed, what life was like before, during and after the ark. Build the ark and I will definitely come and see it. And a huge thank you for taking on this huge project!
Yes! Praise God! My family was at the Creation Museum opening week and we simply must do the same with this attraction, Lord permitting.
To achieve greater authenticity, shouldn't this be constructed solely by a poor 600-year-old man?
Who says that Noah didn't have any help or was poor? He could have hired workers, just like we do with large building projects today.
I am from New Brunswick, Canada and I was watching the morning news. They were talking about this Ark Encounters project. I think it is a fabulous idea and I will definitely be traveling to check it out!
Well done! My family is so excited! God willing I know where my family will vacation in 2014.
I wish I could see it in the real 6000yrs ago with the dinos and the llamas.
Praise God for you all!! I will definitely bring my family to this from southwest Wisconsin!!
You beat me to it!!! Less than a month ago I told my fiancee if I were to win the mega-millions that was in the lottery at that time, I would build a replica of Noah's Ark as a zoo for tourism here in Louisiana, on the Red River. I guess instead of giving me the money to do it, God has given me the availability to contribute to it. Praise Him
I wait with anticipation to be there.
This is so amazing I wish AiG all the support and prayer in the world with this project I know it'll be amazing.
Can I ride on the arc when the second flood comes? My family and I really love jesus, and have already donated $500.
Many unbelievers do not even know that the dimensions God gave to Noah for building the ark have been proven by contemporary science to be an extremely stable design for a vessel of this type.
The Ark Encounter will help open people's eyes to the truth of Creation, and hopefully help open their hearts to Christ.
Spread the word!!!
Love this blog. I’ll be bookmarking this one. Thanks!
This is an exciting project! When I toured the Creation Museum I asked about building a full-scale recreation of Noah's Ark and someone "hinted" that it had been discussed. Great to see it's becoming a reality!!