Mission

“…Education is not the filling of a pail,
but the lighting of a Fire…”

W. B. Yeats

The Sea: we look to it for inspiration, sustenance and adventure. Our community is defined by the sea. Throughout our history we have taken both pleasure and profit from the waters that meet our shores and from the oceans beyond.

But how much do we know about the sea and the forces that act upon it? How can we be wiser and more effective stewards of this wonderful resource? How can we meet the challenges and opportunities that face our friends and neighbors who make their living from the sea? How can we ensure that our children will both love the sea and embrace its critical role in their lives?

The outcome of an important partnership between the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and the New Bedford Oceanarium, the Ocean Explorium at New Bedford Seaport is an ambitious initiative designed to meet these important needs. Located in the magnificent lobby of the former New Bedford Institution for Savings, the Ocean Explorium consists of a series of living aquatic environments, interactive exhibits and numerous outreach initiatives. In conjunction with a comprehensive education program, the Ocean Explorium promotes a broader and deeper understanding of our local waters and the oceans beyond.

1. To provide a unique and effective vehicle for educating the public about the oceans: their protection, restoration, pollution prevention and sustainable use. To act as a center for the public understanding of science. To give young people a sense of the opportunities available to them in the ocean sciences and other ocean-related industries.

2. To act as a hub for the collation and dissemination of information related to ocean sciences and environmental stewardship in New Bedford, Southeastern Massachusetts and throughout the world.

3. To provide a framework for networking and unifying marine sustainability and education efforts in the region, partnering with appropriate organizations to enhance common objectives and synergize resources.

4. To participate with partners in the downtown area in fostering a rejuvenation and revitalization of the City of New Bedford and in reuniting citizens with their cultural and geographical heritage.

5. To reconnect the people of Southeastern Massachusetts with the sea: highlighting the grace, beauty and significance of this essential resource, while emphasizing the importance of the modern seafood industry to local communities.