Mystic — Williams-Mystic, the maritime studies program of Williams College and Mystic Seaport Museum, will be presented with the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Maritime Education on Thursday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

The 42-year-old program brings undergraduate college students to the museum for a semester of interdisciplinary research and travel centered around the ocean. More than 1,600 students have attended the program.

Williams-Mystic is receiving the award from the National Maritime Historical Society and the National Coast Guard Museum Association.

"Williams-Mystic is an exemplary interdisciplinary undergraduate program in maritime studies offering challenging opportunities for students to investigate the sea, the great frontier of the 21st century," the organizations stated in a news release announcing the award.

The award will be accepted by program Executive Director Thomas Van Winkle and Director Emeritus Benjamin W. Labaree.

Entertainment at the event will be provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadet Chorale, directed by Robert G. Newton.