History

In 1993, a group of visionaries conceived of an Oceanarium on New Bedford Harbor.  They developed the vision to include an aquarium, a marine science ‘explorium’ and research facilities.  The original mission for the project emphasized education, and this vision was embraced by thousands of area residents.

Despite much hard work and expense - for environmental surveys, engineering studies, architectural planning and design, construction documentation - financing for the Oceanarium was ultimately unattainable.

The Board of Trustees moved forward, building on the educational programs already in place and redefining the project as an institution WithOut Walls or WOW.  In June, 2005, the WOW Mobile hit the road with everything needed to teach marine science throughout the community at such venues as the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club, local festivals, and the like.  Staffed by educators and interns, programs range from once a day (Boys & Girls Club) to weekly (WOW at the ZOO) to annual events, like Summerfest and the Working Waterfront Festival.  Touch tanks of local creatures and hands-on water property experiments attract learners of all ages and abilities.

The New Bedford Oceanarium was able to expand its education outreach under the Education through Cultural and Historical Organizations (ECHO) Program.  ECHO is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and enables the Oceanarium and New Bedford Whaling Museum to partner on several education initiatives.  The Ocean Learning component of ECHO allows students to sail aboard the research vessel Enviro-Lab to discover the rich variety of marine life in and around Buzzard’s Bay.  Steaming through New Bedford’s inner harbor, students can view the fishing fleet and the city from a new perspective; along the outer harbor, mills, forts and homes line the water’s edge and reveal other connections between people and the sea.  In three years nearly 10,000 students, teachers and other members of the community have enjoyed an Ocean Learning experience.

The ECHO-supported Connecting Oceans Academy is a professional development opportunity that immerses teachers in the cultural, historical, environmental and economic influences that impact New Bedford, turning the experience into enhanced teaching capabilities.  In its first three years, the COA has reached 325 teachers and over 15,000 students.  In addition to these initiatives, ECHO funds a Curriculum Development effort and an Internship program that provides meaningful employment opportunities for several youths throughout the New Bedford area.