Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is opening its doors next month to the public for its annual open house. Visitors are welcome from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 10 at the Bigelow Laboratory campus along the Damariscotta River in East Boothbay. This is an opportunity to meet researchers, engage in fun science activities, and learn about some of the interesting and important work happening to understand the ocean and unlock its incredible potential.

This free event is open to the public. Details on the event and a schedule will be available at bigelow.org/openhouse. If possible, attendees are encouraged to let us know ahead of time through that page if they plan to join.

The open house is a long-running, popular event for community members, visitors to the region, and Bigelow Laboratory staff. It provides hands-on, joyful exposure to ocean science and a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of a world-class research lab. Ice cream will be available.

Throughout the day, scientists will lead a range of demonstrations and activities for visitors of all ages, such as creating seaweed art, sampling off the dock with real oceanographic equipment, and competing in “high-stakes” plankton races.

Researchers will also give several accessible science talks on ongoing research. Attendees can explore one of the world’s most diverse collections of marine algae, learn how scientists study Earth from space, hear about disease threats to marine ecosystems, and more. At noon, Bigelow Laboratory CEO and President Deborah Bronk will give a brief overview of 250 years of American science, highlighting the incredible societal benefits of scientific discovery.

Visitors will also be able to explore some of the institute’s facilities opened last year as part of the Harold Alfond Center for Ocean Education and Innovation, including dedicated teaching spaces, new research laboratories, and a 300-seat forum that has become a hub for community engagement and scientific collaboration.

“It’s always a joy to share our work and its positive impact, to welcome new supporters into our community, and see the lab full of people, kids especially, being inspired by our incredible ocean,” Bronk said. “I think I speak for all of our staff, when I say that the annual open house is one of our favorite days of the year!”

The Open House is just one of several opportunities for the public to engage in Bigelow Laboratory science throughout the summer, including regular public tours and the annual Café Sci talk series. Visit bigelow.org to learn more.