Marine Science Center board and staff members pose proudly in front of their new location.

Leader photo by Alli Patton

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center has announced the move of its headquarters to the historic Flagship Landing building on Water Street in downtown Port Townsend.

After having called Fort Worden State Park home since 1982, the move sprang from the organization’s search for a facility to eventually house its exhibits, gift shop, labs and offices.

“Rising to the challenge to keep pace with our expanding programs and audience, the board of directors has purchased the Flagship Landing building to serve as our new headquarters,” said PTMSC executive director Janine Boire in a press release.

“Not only does Flagship Landing give us the flexibility to move in over time, but most importantly, by bringing new life to this historic 132-year-old building, we dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of the project,” she added.

“The location also provides us with an exceptional opportunity to showcase best practices in shoreline redevelopment for a healthier marine environment.”

To kick off, show off, and celebrate something that has been in the works for many months, an event was held Monday, Aug. 2 at the newly purchased location.

The science center’s board and staff members made their way across the historic downtown street with artifacts iconic to the organization in tow. Whale bones, an empty aquarium tank, a plush seal cub, and more were ushered into their new residence, Abbey Road-style.

“It’s a really important next step for us. It is a way for us to share our mission with broader audiences,” said board president Diane Baxter.

Overtime, the PTMSC has created numerous educational programs for the public. During the pandemic, a number of programs were created or adapted for online learning. The science center will continue to provide these education programs.

“As we launch our next chapter, we envision a future with generations of environmental stewards living in balance with marine ecosystems … This chapter embodies that vision of hope,” Baxter said, addressing the crowd of staff, sponsors, and supporters.

“In our next chapter, PTMSC will reach even more people — people of all ages — with experiences that engage, that encourage, that teach, and that actually empower them to build a healthier future through decisions and actions that help restore the Salish Sea.”

“When I think about the Marine Science Center, I think about a partner both with the city, but also a part of Fort Worden,” added City Manager John Mauro. “I think about a great collaborator. I think about an incredible educator and inspirer.”

Mayor Michelle Sandoval was also present to give her “thank-you’s” to the team who work hard to make the new venture possible.

“What gifts we have — what gifts from the sea, what gifts from our artists. We’re just constantly blessed,” the mayor said.

“This is what makes us. I’m appreciative to all of you very much for making this happen,” Sandoval added, mentioning the center’s resilience throughout the pandemic.

Finally able to see the sun rise on this project, the speeches were followed by an impromptu chorus of The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” playing from a handheld speaker.

The official move to the Flagship Landing building will take place over time and in phases.

The PTMSC aquarium and museum will continue to operate and welcome visitors over the next few years at the Fort Worden location.

As one of their long-term plans, the organization hopes to convert the current museum building into an environmental learning center field station.