PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Marine Science Center now has three locations open to the public: the aquarium on the pier at Fort Worden State Park, the onshore museum and gift shop across from Fort Worden’s beach and its new spot, the Flagship Landing building downtown.
As the center marks its 40th anniversary this year, a major fundraiser is about to get underway: the “You, Me and the Salish Sea” auction of trips, art, pies, jewelry and other goods.
Bidding opens Friday on travel packages for Iceland, Portugal and Victoria, alongside cruises to Protection Island, three-hour kayaking trips and a stay at Lake Quinault. There are also loaves from Pane d’Amore, meals at Farm’s Reach Cafe and a pass to the Women & Film Festival starting later this month.
Participants can sign up for free and view the auction catalog at https://ptmsc.schoolauction.net/ptmscauction2022/catalog.
Registration will stay open until just before 9 p.m. April 17, when the online bidding closes.
The center’s live auction and gala is set for April 16 at the Fort Worden Commons; the registration deadline was March 31.
In the meantime, the marine science center’s crew — including newly hired executive director Bee Redfield — encourage people to visit their locations.
The visitor center and store inside Flagship Landing, 1001 Water St., are open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
The aquarium, just reopened for the season, and the museum and gift shop on the shore are open noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission, which covers both Fort Worden locations, is $7 for adults, $5 for youngsters ages 6 to 17 and free for children 5 and younger.
Port Townsend Marine Science Center members get in free as do members of the Burke Museum in Seattle. For details, see PTMSC.org, phone 360-385-5582, ext. 123, or email info@ptmsc.org.
“For 40 years, the opening of our aquarium serves a sign of spring for our community,” center program director Diane Quinn said Wednesday, adding the center has activities listed on its website calendar.
“Along with the flowers, we are seeing people re-emerge looking for ways to engage,” Quinn said.
“We are looking forward to doing what we do best, showing people the wonder of the Salish Sea and all the ways we can help keep it healthy. The upcoming Bio-blitz, Earth Day beach cleanup and Repair Cafes offer so many opportunities, with more to come.”
________
Jefferson County Senior Reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3509 or durbanidelapaz@peninsuladailynews.com.
