Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) hosted an open house in East Boothbay Sept. 28. The public was treated to refreshments and encouraged to tour the new campus on Linekin Bay. The property consists of 1.33 acres, 300 feet of working waterfront, three wharves, two year-round homes (male and female staff housing), tidepools, a playfield, and a remodeled boatshed that is used as a learning center with space for meetings, events and storage.

The property’s site plans, drafted by Rob Whitten of Whitten Architects, were on display in the boatshed. A new docking system from Custom Float Services, which had been pulled from the water at the time of the event due to tropical storm Lee, completes the property for now.

“It is a dream come true to be here,” said Pauline Dion, executive director of BSSC. “Thanks to the community for the support. We’re a community-based nonprofit and this is where we get our support.” The property was part of the estate of the Carter and Fuller family maritime heritage and had been in their family for over 200 years. When Mildred Carter died in 2021, her sons, lobstermen Mark and Matt Carter approached BSSC about the property. Last February, the deal was closed and BSSC immediately began work on remodeling the boatshed, said Dion.

Dion announced BSSC was one of six organizations accepted into an entrepreneurial program at Northeastern’s Roux Institute in Portland, beginning mid-October. The classes are designed to help nonprofits expand into alternate businesses and revenue streams. “Having a permanent location means the possibilities and opportunities are endless,” said Dion.

BSSC will keep its seasonal educational offerings and look to expand into after school programs, and camps during school vacations. This summer, BSSC taught 160 students, ages 5-17, about responsible ocean stewardship, marine sciences, seaweed farming, microplastics and marine debris, marine technology, water safety, sailing/rowing and working waterfronts, and Maine maritime history, in nine-week programs. “Bringing kids to real life situations, that is what we teach,” said Dion. The center has incorporated warming ocean temperatures and sea level rise into its curricula.

BSSC just completed its 11th season of summer programming, with eight of those years in facilities at Ocean Point Marina.

BSSC offers equal and affordable access to its integrated and experiential learning programs through financial assistance scholarships. Registration for summer programs begins in January (MLK Day) annually.