To Present, Promote, and Protect the World of Water. The mission of the New England Aquarium is to increase understanding of aquatic life and environments, to enable people to act to conserve the world of water, and to provide leadership for the preservation and sustainable use of aquatic resources.
This mission is fulfilled through exhibits, and through education, conservation and research programs. Exhibits showcase the diversity, importance and beauty of aquatic life and habitats, and highlight critical aquatic conservation issues. Programs emphasize species, habitats, and issues critical to New England.

The New England Aquarium serves as a responsive community resource that attracts and involves the broadest possible audience; seeks a culturally diverse staff and governing board that reflect our community; adheres to the highest standards of animal stewardship; and is committed to delivering the highest quality visitor experience in a welcoming and enjoyable manner that evokes wonder, curiosity, understanding, caring and action.

Description:
The New England Aquarium is a not-for-profit private Aquarium. The New England Aquarium's Newport Exploration Center at Newport is a place for hands on learning for the entire family. Exhibits include a 14 foot touch tank, where visitors may touch sea stars, sea urchins, hermit crabs and other coastal creatures and a microscope station, Our "non touch" tanks show other residents of the Bay, including several varieties of jellyfish, baby lobsters, flounder, skate, and more.

History:
On June 20, 1969 the New England Aquarium opened its doors to the public for the first time. The Aquarium was designed with the intention of providing an underwater experience for the visitor and of being a cultural institution that would reconnect Boston to its waterfront. In its more than 30 years of existence the Aquarium has grown a lot. We have developed several programs in order to help preserve and bring a better understanding of marine life and our exhibits have been under constant expansion and renovation. From the Giant Ocean Tank, opened in 1970 that was, at the time, the largest circular, salt water tank in the world to the new Matthew and Marcia Simons IMAX®, the only 3D theatre in Boston, opened in December 2001. The Aquarium continues its tradition to serve as a leader in research, education and conservation. The leadership of John Prescott, who served as Executive Director from 1972-1994, Jerry Schubel, from 1994-2001, and today, Ed Toomey, continues to move the Aquarium to the forefront of these issues.

Contact person: NEAq Volunteers, Program Coordinator, (617) 973-5235, (email)
Office fax number: (617) 973-6552

Address:

Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 (See a map)

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency accept court-appointed volunteers?
	No