Our lecture series, The Future of Oceans, draws on the commitment of professional researchers and educators across all academic spectrums to help define and inspire the health of our oceans.
"Sharks of Washington"
Presented by
Lisa Hillier
Senior Biologist, Marine Fish Science Unit with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Sunday, December 8, 3 p.m.
Fort Worden Chapel
Washington is home to a variety of shark species, which play an essential role in the coastal and Salish Sea ecosystems. This presentation will focus on the sharks that share our waters and how WDFW is monitoring and managing these species. Lisa will also focus on new scientific research on two species that have moved deep into South Puget Sound and how climate change is shifting shark populations.
To keep this lecture series accessible to all, regardless of the ability to pay, there is no set charge for these lecture events; however, donations are always welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks to the Darrow Family for their ongoing support
In the Flagship Gallery downtown:
Inspired by Sea & Science:
The Fiber Art of Carla Stehr
OPEN thru February 2, 2025
Flagship Landing Gallery, 1001 Water St in downtown Port Townsend
OPEN Friday – Sunday, 12 – 3 p.m.
Carla Stehr grew up in Olympia, exploring Puget Sound beaches and looking for ‘cool’ things like shells with delicate patterns. Her obsession with intertidal life motivated her to become a marine biologist, where her scientific work included studying fish and plankton with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The remarkable microscopic patterns she saw inspired her to explore art. Meanwhile, making a traditional quilt led her to discover that fabric could be assembled in amazing ways and a sewing machine could be used to draw. Stitch, fabric, dye, and paint became her favorite art materials.
Carla’s SEM photographs have been published and exhibited in scientific and educational venues. Her fiber art has been juried into several national and international exhibits. Other works are similarly inspired by the colors and textures of marine life often not easily seen. Carla’s work reminds us to look for and savor Salish Sea details.
Nearly 70 percent of the nesting seabird population of Puget Sound and the Straits nest at these two islands, just outside of Port Townsend, including one of the largest nesting colonies of Rhinoceros Auklets in the world, as well as the largest nesting colony of Glaucous-winged Gulls in Washington. Protection Island contains one of the last two nesting colonies of Tufted Puffins in the Puget Sound area. About 1,000 harbor seals rely upon the island for a pupping and rest area.
These cruises are hosted by seasoned PTMSC naturalists and interpreters, who provide excellent commentary on the natural history of the island and the birds and wildlife sighted. Sign up today!
Repair Events are free community gatherings where individuals can bring their broken belongings to be repaired by local volunteers with a variety of skills and knowledge. Our crew of volunteers can do repairs ranging from rewiring a floor lamp or figuring out why the suction on your vacuum has suddenly stopped to mending a torn fabric item.
These events spark connections within the community through the exchange of valuable mending and repair knowledge – all while diverting personal possessions from the landfill!
Do you have a teen that is interested in electronics? And video games?
JeffCo Repair will be hosting a Video Game Console Repair Class with the Port Townsend Library!
In this program, students will each repair an Xbox 360 for disc error issues. If time permits, students will also have the opportunity to repair game controllers. This will introduce students to the many basic skills involved with taking apart a video game console, troubleshooting electronic issues, and repairing them. These skills can be built upon and will provide confidence for future electronic repairs. Consoles and all other necessary supplies will be provided for the students to work on.
There is a maximum of 8 students, so please reach out if interested! This program will run for 4 consecutive Wednesdays – January 15, 22, 29, and February 5 from 1:30pm-3:30pm. These dates/times coincide with PT’s early release schedule.
Teen should be able to commit to each of the 4 sessions. Please reach out if this isn’t a possibility and we can consider alternatives. Please note, PT High does not have an early release for the final February date. If needed, students may skip this session.
We will meet in the Pink House at the PT Library! (This is the building right outside of their entrance at 1220 Lawrence Street)
Support PTMSC and join us for Bar Stool BINGO at the Hilltop Tavern!
It's $1 per round or $10 to play all 10 rounds.
All proceeds go to PTMSC!
Port Townsend Yacht Club Scholarship Opportunity
The Yacht Club is seeking Jefferson County high-school students interested in applying for scholarship funds in post-high school study in fields including Marine Sciences, Marine Systems, Maritime Trades, and Boatbuilding.
Interested? Click the link below to get more details and to find the scholarship PDF. Deadline is February 3, 2025.
With the Museum at Fort Worden State Park closed for remodeling until early Summer of 2025, we encourage you to check out our website for upcoming programs! Activities at Fort Worden coming soon include the MLK Day of Service, Earth Day Beach Cleanup and a BioBlitz!
Ready to get rid of an old car while supporting a cleaner planet? We here at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center make charitable car donation so easy! It also feels better when you support the cause you love.