Location

Seacoast

Overview

The Seacoast Science Center is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3), science learning center located within Odiorne State Park in Rye, New Hampshire. We provide educational experiences on behalf of New Hampshire State Parks and have been connecting people to the wonders of our coast since 1992. Our live animal exhibits feature the amazing creatures that live in the rapidly changing Gulf of Maine ecosystem. Our engaging programs make learning about the ocean fun for everyone, from pre-K to senior rediscovery. Our hands-on science exhibits motivate families to become caretakers of our blue planet. Situated directly on the rocky coast, SSC features aquariums, indoor touch tanks, interactive exhibits, and naturalist-led programs and events that teach people about the importance of the marine environment so that they are empowered to build a healthier ocean and a better planet. SSC believes that science-based education is the key to developing stewards of the ocean who can think critically and act intentionally to improve the health of our New Hampshire coast and the World Ocean. All Center programs are tightly aligned with its mission and leverage its location inside Odiorne Point State Park. The Center’s signature brand of marine and environmental education is designed to inspire conservation and stewardship, promote critical thinking, and nurture connections to the natural world, all through the lens of its special location at New Hampshire’s Odiorne Point State Park. Visitors to the Center have a rare opportunity to experience first-hand New Hampshire's coastal environments including sandy beaches, rocky shores, tidal estuaries, diverse freshwater habitats, and woodlands. Programs are offered for all ages, from toddlers to seniors, throughout the year. Field trip programs for schools and groups are offered on-site and virtually. Environmental Day Camp programs are offered during regional school vacation weeks and all summer long. The Center's Marine Science Fellowship is a semester-long course for high school students that offers an option to earn school credit. SSC hosts annual community events including the Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals, World Ocean Day celebration, Music by the Sea concert series, BioBlitz (a community science event), and more. Seacoast Science Center also offers facility rental options for weddings, celebrations, and business meetings. Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue responds to marine mammals along the coast of New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts (Essex, north). Our rescue work creates coastal communities that are safe for both people and seals. Each seal-side conversation is an opportunity to educate people about the animals and their coastal ocean habitat. One of just 100 federally authorized response organizations, our rescue work contributes critical data for research on the status of these protected species, considered the early warning system for ocean health.

Industries

Education Nonprofit

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