Ross talks with Dan Phelps, president of the Kentucky Paleontological Society, about the struggles of obtaining zoning rights for The Ark Encounter and their questionable financial practices. They discuss the future plans for the theme park, the lack of economic benefits for the surrounding town, and the need for assistance in their fight against creationism.
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Quick takeaways
The Ark Encounter has faced controversies and financial issues, yet continues to receive support and pursue expansion plans.
The Ark Encounter includes fictional displays and pseudoscientific approaches, attracting visitors while facing scrutiny.
Ken Ham, the creator of the Ark Encounter, has strategically utilized financial incentives and government support to expand operations.
Deep dives
Dan Phelps fights against creationism in Kentucky
Dan Phelps, a Kentucky geologist and founder of the Kentucky Paleontological Society, has been fighting against creationism in his state since the 80s. He has closely followed the career of Ken Ham and the organization Answers in Genesis, writing letters, sharing documents, and even writing reviews of the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. Despite their claims of success, the Ark Encounter has not reached the attendance numbers Ken Ham had envisioned, with the actual ticket sales falling far short of their estimates. Dan Phelps has been monitoring their ticket sales through open records requests and has found that their best year reached only around 900,000 visitors. Additionally, he has uncovered questionable financial practices and tax incentives given to the organization. Despite their struggles, the Ark Encounter has continued to receive donations and pursue expansion plans, including the construction of a Tower of Babel and a model of Jerusalem. Dan Phelps remains committed to opposing the pseudoscience presented by the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter.
Controversies and mishaps at the Ark Encounter
The Ark Encounter, a project by Answers in Genesis, has faced a series of controversies and mishaps since its opening. They had to file for flood insurance after heavy rainfall caused a slump in the area, damaging the access road. The organization claimed that the Ark itself was damaged by rainfall and filed a lawsuit against their insurance company. They also faced scrutiny for their hiring practices, as they required employees to sign a statement of faith endorsing young earth creationism and attend a Bible-believing church. This led to a legal battle and a temporary loss of tax incentives. However, they ultimately won the lawsuit and continued to receive significant financial support, although their actual attendance numbers have fallen short of their projections. The Ark Encounter's expansion plans, including a Tower of Babel and a model of Jerusalem, remain in the works.
Inaccuracies and fictional displays at the Ark Encounter
The Ark Encounter has been criticized for its inclusion of inaccuracies and fictional displays. Some of their exhibits are based on fictional books written by the organization, such as the story of Noah fighting a Carnotaurus in a pre-flood arena. Displays also include difursing cages and language invention, where the organization created a cipher for English. However, many of the signs throughout the Ark feature passages from the Bible and side stories. While the Ark Encounter continues to attract visitors, it has faced scrutiny for its pseudoscientific approach and questionable financial practices.
Ken Ham's vision and financial incentives
Ken Ham, the creator of the Ark Encounter, has shown a keen sense of vision in crafting his attraction. He has taken advantage of financial incentives, tax breaks, and government support, which have included significant tax incentives, sales tax rebates, reduced property taxes, and even the city selling 98 acres of land adjacent to the Ark for a dollar. Additionally, the organization has received funding from tourism departments and issued unsecured junk bonds to finance construction. Despite lower than projected attendance figures, the Ark Encounter has been able to expand its operations, including the purchase of a former Toyota headquarters building and the ownership of adjacent properties, such as a Hampton Inn hotel. The organization has also utilized a complex corporate structure with multiple shell companies and has faced controversies regarding discrimination in hiring practices and allegations of misuse of funds. However, it continues to generate financial support and pursue future expansion plans.
Ongoing Controversies and Financial Struggles of the Ark Park
Despite the disapproval of the Noah's Ark movie for taking liberties with the biblical story, Ken Ham's Ark Park has faced criticism for its own deviations from biblical accuracy. The park has not met projected attendance numbers and its impact on local businesses has been minimal. Additionally, Ken Ham has been criticized for not supporting the town of Williamstown, where the Ark is located, despite receiving millions in bonds and other benefits. The documentary We Believe in Dinosaurs highlighted the biased and agenda-driven nature of the Ark's exhibits, with Ham himself obsessively referring to his past debate with Bill Nye as a means of gaining credibility. The Ark Park continues to attract controversial political figures, host biased events, and push conservative social messages, all while receiving tax breaks and public funding.
The Lack of Natural History Museums in Kentucky
One disappointment in Kentucky is the absence of a state natural history museum, despite discussions dating back to the 1980s. While the Cincinnati Museum Center and Falls of Ohio offer valuable exhibits in the region, the lack of a museum solely dedicated to the state's natural history is noted. There is hope for volunteer assistance in public record searches and legal expertise to hold the Ark Park accountable on legal grounds. Recommendations for informative blogs, such as Panda's Thumb, Writing America, and Pharyngula, are given to stay updated on the Ark's activities. It is emphasized that public awareness and involvement are crucial in countering the influence of the Ark Park and its biased agenda.
Let’s head back to The Ark Encounter! Ross talks with Dan Phelps, president of the Kentucky Paleontological Society and persistent thorn in the side of creationist Ken Ham. Learn why Answers in Genesis didn’t get its desired location for the Creation Museum, why they only paid $1 for 98 acres of land, how their parking lot pays for the corporate jet, and why their online responses are so Ham-fisted.
