To create personal connections to coastal habitats by promoting opportunities for environmental education experiences.

Description:
The Seacoast Science Center is a marine environmental education and visitors center located in Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH. A variety of exciting educational programs are offered for visitors and school groups.

The 1,000 Gulf of Maine aquarium and the tidepool touch tank will give you a glimpse of life beneath the waves. The interactive exhibits will transport you back to when fishing schooners sailed the seas, when luxurious estates graced Odiorne's shores, and when World War II changed the landscape forever.

From guided walks to lighthouse talks, from daily creature features to summer concerts, there is something for everyone.

History:
Summer programs have occurred at the Odiorne site since 1973. The demand for programs increased so rapidly that in 1986 a management plan was developed that called for a year-round visitor and educational facility. A capital campaign raised over one million dollars to build the facility, and the Seacoast Science Center opened in 1992. It was managed by four organizations: Audubon Society of NH, Friends of Odiorne State Park, NH Division of State Parks, and the University of New Hampshire. A master plan developed in 1997 recommended that the Center become a non-profit entity, which it operates as currently. Much of the Center's success is the result of the support and expertise of literally hundreds of volunteers.

Contact person: Michele Wensman, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: 603-433-2235

Address:

570 Ocean Boulevard Rye, NH 03870 (See a map)

Directions:

At the Portsmouth Traffic Circle (off Rt. 95/Rt. 16), take Bypass 1 South to Beachs/Hampton. After one mile the road connects with Route 1. Continue south approx. 1 mile to the traffic light across from the Market Basket Plaza. Turn. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Name of Executive Director (or equivalent) if not listed above:
	Wendy Lull
Type of organization
	Nonprofit 501(c)3
Is your organization a Health and Human Service agency?
	No