Building 502 at Fort Worden (formerly the Museum) is coming right along, and exhibits on the "dry side" will be opening in the next couple of weeks. If you have been in the park, you may have seen the recently refreshed Portico and window photos.
The exhibit project has been enriched by several local artists and craftspeople. You'll hear more about them and enjoy their incredible work very soon.
This remodel project is supported by private funders and grants. I'm happy to report that our federal grant from the Institute for Museums and Library Services was reinstated, and we received the first half of that funding this week.
Grant Hawley from Imagine Visual Services installing the new welcome sign in the Portico.
This felted octopus was custom created by volunteer Patt Roche.
One other note. You may have heard, too, that AmeriCorps/Washington Service Corps funding for the remainder of this term was recently reinstated as well. Our two exceptional members, Kelly Kingdon and Hillary Sanders, are here for the rest of the summer.
Thanks to everyone who has helped to keep the program in place for PTMSC and for communities across the country.
Diane Quinn
Executive Director
Port Townsend Marine Science Center
OPEN HOUSE!
Community Tool Library
Saturday, July 12 2 - 4 p.m.
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
For all the important information, visit the website.
Join us in celebrating the grand opening of our Tool Library! Come tour the tool library to explore all that we have to offer and sign up for a Tool Library membership!
This is not just an opportunity to tour the library; it’s a chance to discover the resources that can empower you for your next DIY project, home improvement task, or repair and reuse project.
We are thrilled to showcase the hard work and dedication of so many volunteers who contributed to creating this valuable community resource. Come see what we have to offer, and sign up for a membership to borrow the tools that will inspire your creativity and facilitate your projects!
Space is limited on the summer low tide walks. Registration is required to guarantee your place. Spaces that open up on the day of the event will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
photo by Wendy Feltham
PTMSC SUMMER CAMPS
FILLING UP FAST!
At PTMSC, our summer day camps allow burgeoning young scientists and adventurers to spend a week exploring beaches, uncovering treasures hidden in our exhibits, playing games, making crafts, and hiking through beautiful Fort Worden State Park.
Openings for campers ages 6-7 in Junior Explorers camp.
Join us for a wet, sandy, adventurous, fun-filled week!
Visit our camps pageto register. Coastal Explorers and Junior Explorers still have spots open!
Nearly 70 percent of the nesting seabird population of Puget Sound and the Straits nest at these two islands, just outside of Port Townsend. Protection Island contains one of the last 2 nesting colonies of tufted puffins in the Puget Sound area. About 1,000 harbor seals rely upon the island for a pupping and rest area.
These cruises are hosted by seasoned PTMSC naturalists and interpreters who provide excellent commentary on the natural history of the island and the birds and wildlife sighted. Sign up for a cruise today!
Now thru October 2025, PTMSC invites you to join our dive into a variety of marine related topics! Get lost in titles that bring the evocative sea right to you. Through communication and connection, we can explore the ways in which the ocean intertwines us all.
Meet: Once per month to openly discuss each title.
Food: Potluck! Bring something to share, or just for yourself.
Drinks: Bring your choice of cozy beverage.
Where: Aquarium Classroom, 532 Battery Way. Located at the end of the pier in Fort Worden.
The Future of Oceans lecture series draws on the commitment of professional researchers and educators across all academic spectrums to help define and inspire the health of our oceans.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get the latest videos!
Thanks to the Darrow Family for their ongoing support
At the Flagship Landing Gallery:
ORCA: Shared Waters, Shared Home
Friday - Sunday
12 - 3 p.m.
This all ages interactive exhibit explores the natural history of the orca species and the extreme challenges facing the Southern Resident orca families that frequent Puget Sound. It features captivating photography by Steve Ringman and others, and stories by author and Seattle Times journalist Lynda V. Mapes about the power, majesty and plight of two endangered – and intertwined – species of the Salish Sea: Southern Resident killer whales and Chinook salmon.
There is no admission fee, though donations are always welcome
Join us for First Saturday Gallery Walk! July 5, open 5 – 8 p.m.
STORE AND GALLERY HOURS
With the Museum at Fort Worden State Park closed for remodeling, we encourage you to check out our website (and future editions of this newsletter) for upcoming programs!
Downtown Port Townsend 1001 Water St.
Store
Thursday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday & Monday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gallery
Friday - Sunday, noon - 3 p.m.
Join us for First Saturday Gallery Walk! June 7, open 5 – 8 p.m.
