Port Townsend Marine Science Center

Mission

The mission of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center is to inspire conservation of the Salish Sea. Connecting with many thousands of people face-to-face each year, the PTMSC invites collective action through its museum and aquarium, educational programs and citizen science projects.

Description

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center now operates in two locations: Fort Worden State Park and downtown Port Townsend. The aquarium and museum are situated in Fort Worden State Park and the visitor center and store are in the Flagship Landing building at 1001 Water Street in downtown Port Townsend. Coming this summer the PTMSC will be installing a 42’ gray whale skeleton on Union Wharf.

Founded in 1982, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center was started by two teachers who recognized that children who are introduced to the wonders of the Salish Sea naturally develop a conservation ethic for its well-being. During the four decades since its founding, the organization has added an aquarium, museum, school programs, summer camps, a lecture series, low-tide walks, wildlife cruises, a vibrant citizen science program and, in 2021, a visitor center and store.    

Examples of the PTMSC’s impacts are numerous: 

1. Young lives are being changed through greater understanding of the marine environment and the ocean sciences;
2. Local and regional policies are being adopted, such as increased protection for salmon and orcas, and the plastic bag ban in Port Townsend; 
3. The community’s health is being safeguarded through the early detection of marine-born illnesses, such as paralytic shellfish poisoning; 
4. Seal pups and other marine mammals are being saved via the Marine Mammal Stranding Network; and 
5. Thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds are being inspired to protect and conserve the Salish Sea. 

Recognition

We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes the programs at the PTMSC possible--donors, volunteers, board members, staff, grantors, partner organizations and the surrounding community.