The Way We Were….
In the 1980s, local teacher Clayton Ham brought the then-Seattle-based Marine Science Society to Poulsbo; it was housed at Liberty Bay Marina. In 1990, it moved to its present location in the new building built with a City Bond Issue. However, in 2005, after 15 yrs. of successful operation, a lack of a firm financial footing forced the Center’s closure.

Who Are We Today?
The new Center is supported by the newly formed Marine Science Center Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Bill Austin and a dedicated team of new supporters, almost all volunteers, created today’s Center. Our main focus will be on educating children through various programs, and reaching into our regional schools. Visitors of all ages will learn more about the waters that surround us. We’re slowly finishing the exhibits and collecting animals, and looking for necessary funding.

Meet our Board of Directors: Bruce Harlow, President (USN Ret.) Rear Admiral Harlow is also President of the Naval Undersea Museum Foundation. Other Members: Bill Austin, Vice-President; Margene Smaaladen, Secretary.; Roger Sherrard, Legal Counsel; Don Lawrence, Treasurer, John MacDonald, Accountant. Additional members: John Hern, Rob Purser, Michelle McClure, Tom Hall. Dr. Susan Crawford is the Executive Secretary.

Structure and Financing
Board members and others are busy finding ongoing financial support from many sources, including the State of Washington, where we fortunately have strong support from our local elected representatives. Also, we hope to rent out the second floor of our building; we’ll retain the income from that.

Currently there are 3 important people you should know, in charge of initial programs:

Patrick Mus, Aquarium Director: Pat was a kingpin at the former Center, in charge of the salt water system, exhibit maintenance and animal husbandry; we are happy to have him back as Aquarium Director.

Susan Crawford, Education Director: Having played many roles in the development of the new Center, Dr. Crawford has worked as the Executive Director of the Science Education Alliance (SEA) Program since 1999. The regional partnership of fourteen school districts was founded by the Naval Undersea Museum Foundation in Keyport; she is on loan from this organization. Her field of expertise is science education and curriculum development.

Denise Bauman, Volunteer Program Chairperson: Denise is a long-time volunteer here in the Poulsbo area, having worked with Sons of Norway, United Way, Friends of the Library, and Poulsbo Elementary. She has done market research and is on the county Solid Waste Advisory Committee.