Annual Open House

Bigelow Laboratory scientists explore environments all over the world, and they bring all they learn back to our state-of-the-art facility in East Boothbay, Maine.

On Friday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we invite you to visit our laboratory and hear first-hand from the researchers conducting our bold ocean science. Our staff will lead a wide range of scientific demonstrations and activities for visitors of all ages. Meet some of the ocean’s most important organisms, see autonomous gliders that travel across the Atlantic Ocean, and learn how scientists are working to improve the future for the planet and all of us that call it home.

This free event is open to the public and made possible through sponsorship by Knickerbocker Group. More details on the events and schedule will be added to this webpage when they become available.

Bring science and art together with activities including designing your own plankton, ocean life coloring, and sidewalk chalk.

Conduct hands-on experiments exploring ocean acidification, strawberry DNA, water density, and the art of kelp pressing.

Practice using oceanographic research equipment, such as a Secchi disk and a Niskin bottle.

View live plankton from the Damariscotta River under a microscope at our dock and Shore Facility.

Events last 15 to 20 minutes. Schedule subject to change.

10:30

OUR AUTONOMOUS GLIDERS – Dave Drapeau will introduce you to our autonomous underwater gliders, Henry and Grampus, which we use to study the Gulf of Maine.

10:30

THE FLOW OF SCIENCE - Learn about a technique from the medical field that is revolutionizing how we study ocean microbes at the Center of Aquatic Cytometry, with Director Dr. Nicole Poulton.

11:00

CULTURING DIVERSITY – Explore our National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota, the world’s largest and most diverse collection of marine phytoplankton, with Kristin Heidenreich.

11:00

HUMAN HEALTH IN THE BOOTHBAY REGION – Join Dr. Rachel Sipler in an interactive discussion about watershed health and some of the water quality and pollution threats to our local waterways.

11:30

ECOLOGY OF MARINE DISEASES – Dr. Maya Groner will discuss the impact of infectious diseases on marine life and fisheries and consider how we study and manage these pathogens.

11:30

THE DNA AROUND US – Learn from Dr. Peter Countway about how DNA from the environment can provide scientists with a wealth of data about organisms, how they interact, and their ecosystems.

12:00

OCEAN EDUCATION AND INNOVATION – Hear from Dr. Deborah Bronk, president and CEO of Bigelow Laboratory, about how the forthcoming expansion to our facilities will support new programming and solutions-focused science.

12:30

OUR AUTONOMOUS GLIDERS – Dave Drapeau will introduce you to our autonomous underwater gliders, Henry and Grampus, which we use to study the Gulf of Maine.

12:30

THE FLOW OF SCIENCE – Learn about a technique from the medical field that is revolutionizing how we study ocean microbes at the Center of Aquatic Cytometry, with Director Dr. Nicole Poulton.

1:00

CULTURING DIVERSITY – Explore our National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota, the world’s largest and most diverse collection of marine phytoplankton, with Kristin Heidenreich.

1:00

HUMAN HEALTH IN THE BOOTHBAY REGION – Join Dr. Rachel Sipler in an interactive discussion about watershed health and some of the water quality and pollution threats to our local waterways.

1:30

ECOLOGY OF MARINE DISEASES – Dr. Maya Groner will discuss the impact of infectious diseases on marine life and fisheries and consider how we study and manage these pathogens.

1:30

THE DNA AROUND US – Learn from Dr. Peter Countway about how DNA from the environment can provide scientists with a wealth of data about organisms, how they interact, and their ecosystems.