West Boothbay Harbor - The Maine State Aquarium, a program of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), will hold an open house for four days, June 28th through July 1st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to preview the educational attractions to come when the Aquarium opens its doors for good next summer.
Timed to correspond with the Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days Festival, the Aquarium’s June 28th -July 1st open house will feature new touch tanks with a variety of species for hands-on exploration, photographic displays by renowned underwater photographer Keith Ellenbogen, profiles of Department of Marine Resources scientists working on groundbreaking research, and arts and crafts for children.
Later this summer, the Aquarium will again open its doors for one-day talks by DMR Science staff that provide visitors an inside look into the research that helps protect and sustain Maine’s valuable marine resources and environment. A schedule will be posted on Aquarium’s website and social media sites.
“We plan to showcase the important work going on in DMR’s Science Bureau that most people don’t know about,” said Dottie Yunger, Director of the Maine State Aquarium.
Two such presentations have been scheduled and more will be in the coming days.
“We have scheduled a lobster research presentation for July 28th that will provide insight into the science behind this vital industry,” said Yunger. “On August 17th we’ll offer an exciting presentation on the emerging research into white shark presence in the Gulf of Maine.”
“We have been working hard to improve the visitor experience here at the Aquarium, including redesigning the space so visitors can enjoy hands-on learning as well as informative and inspiring exhibits,” said Yunger. “We look forward to seeing old and new friends of the Aquarium as we take this first step toward our full grand opening in 2024.”
“Unfortunately, COVID supply chain and work force issues combined with needed system repairs and updates have caused DMR to postpone the full grand reopening until next summer,” said DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “This summer’s four-day open house will allow us to share the new vision for the aquarium with the local community and those visiting the area. While disappointed in the delay, we do have some great programs through the summer to highlight DMR’s work in the Gulf of Maine.”
Topics and dates for presentations at the Aquarium will be publicized on the Aquarium’s website and through its social media platforms.
For information on the summer schedule at the Maine State Aquarium, visit https://www.maine.gov/dmr/programs/education-division/maine-state-aquarium
To connect with the Aquarium through social media visit the following:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mainestateaquarium
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mainestateaquarium/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/MaineAquarium
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-aquarium/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNBUv3_8hCbZE8xJmwvo-Lg
Subscribe to notices from the Aquarium at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDMR/subscriber/new