On Saturday, July 27, Boothbay Sea & Science Center (BSSC) hosted an open house to mark its second year at its new shorefront location at 12 Carter Road in East Boothbay.

“Being on this property has really allowed us to expand our offerings,” said BSSC Board President Pauline Dion. The new location has allowed an increase in students – about 30 more than last summer – and the on-site housing that came with the property has enlarged the number of staff. Dion hopes this housing will allow the center to bring in teachers for workshops. BSSC plans to go from a seasonal program to year-round opportunities; for example, more programs such as their Seaweed Farming school initiative where students get in-class and hands-on experience learning about the growing New England seaweed industry. BSSC is currently operating this free course in 16 Maine schools, with hopes to expand once there is more equipment for it.  

The center’s main mission is to create an accessible public waterfront that allows children to learn more about the region, and later help guide future students.

Junior sailing instructor Rose Campbell, a rising Boothbay Region High School junior, has been involved with BSSC for about seven years. “It really is rewarding,” she said. “I’ve grown up alongside (Dion) and everyone else, and now I’m working here as a full-time summer job. It’s kind of like my home.”

Amidst the center’s future aspirations is the short-term goal of investing in its infrastructure. This includes updating and expanding the main boat shop and houses, and improving the docks. The location’s equipment was hit hard by the January storms that damaged much of the region. Dion recalled that the central dock mainly survived because the gaps in the boards allowed the flood waters to come through. “There are some advantages to things being old,” she said, laughing. 

But she wouldn’t change anything about the structural bones the center has acquired. “We’re pretty fortunate. Everything that is here, you couldn’t replace.” 

As BSSC continues to transition into its new phase, Dion encourages community members of all ages to come to the center to learn and to teach. If there’s a skill set someone is willing to share, BSSC would love to have them. “We’re built on community collaboration,” said Dion.

For updates and for information on fundraisers, visit the center’s website or subscribe to BSSC’s newsletter.