For 10 years, Boothbay Sea and Science Center has taught students about marine ecosystems at its Ocean Point Road location. The program had 120 students this summer, and could’ve been even larger, according to Board President Pauline Dion. “We easily could’ve had many more students so that’s why we are so excited about our announcement,” she said. 

BSSC has entered into a purchase-and-sale agreement with the Carter family to buy 1.33 acres of shorefront property at 12 Carter Road in East Boothbay. The purchase includes two houses and an out-building. The property is part of Mildred A. Carter’s estate, and her children, Matt, Vicki and Mark made a deal to sell the property to the center. “This couldn’t happen without the family’s generosity,” Dion said. “This prime waterfront property fits perfectly into our expansion plans. We can now offer more programs and include more students. This will enable us to provide year-round programming.”

Year-round activities include adding an after school program with art, music, science, fishing and sea farming clubs. Dion also wants to expand the in-school seaweed farming program. There are also plans for incorporating a public school marine science speaker series. Dion also believes an expanded facility would provide an opportunity for teacher professional development, establishing a maritime museum showcasing and honoring the past and present local marine industry, and continued ongoing outreach to other non-profit organizations which share the center’s goals and core values, according to Dion. 

The new facility will also reduce center general operating expenses by providing staff housing and boat storage. This summer, the staff included 13 instructors and three apprentices. The two houses will provide housing and space for additional classrooms and storage.

The most dramatic change is probably a boat building and trades program. Eric Graves is a Bristol Marine project engineer and vice-president. He is excited about expanding center programs to boat building and a trades program. “I’d like to do more with the shipyard in Boothbay Harbor. I’d like to see a diverse program for both scientific studies and  trades. This out-building really provides a great opportunity for that,” he said.

Center officials plan on keeping the out-building’s footprint and rebuilding an educational facility along with a small heritage center open to the public. The property also has three piers which officials described as a ‘perfect fit” for boating. 

Dion believes waterfront property accessible to the public is a valuable commodity. In Maine, she described the state as having 5,300 miles of shoreline, but only 20 miles accessible as a working waterfront. “Preservation of the working waterfront is critical. The purchase keeps this parcel accessible to the public which is important. Because once it’s gone, it’s gone,” she said. 

BSSC is working towards opening the new facility next summer. The center is now seeking community contributions either through donations or volunteering to make the purchase a reality.