Seacoast Science Center
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Mission / Background

When the Center opened in 1992, it was considered a model of public/private partnership. Managed by the Audubon Society of New Hampshire under contract with the state, Center operations were also overseen by an affiliation with the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and another non-profit, the Friends of Odiorne Point State Park. In 2001, the Center became an independent non-profit organization. A year later, the Friends merged with the Center. Today, the Seacoast Science Center, still operating under contract with the state, has over 1,200 member households, over 100 volunteers and a year-round crew of 18.

Mission Statement

The Seacoast Science Center, located in historically rich Odiorne Point State Park, provides exceptional learning experiences in the natural sciences through dynamic and innovative programs and exhibits.

Value Statement

We hold the following values as guidelines for the organization. We strive to:

  • create environments in which learning is fun
  • practice what we teach: caring for animals, people, the Park and the Gulf of Maine
  • hold our interpretive and business practices to high standards
  • approach everything we do with a sense of honesty, integrity and understanding
  • help each other do whatever it takes to support the organization
  • encourage experimentation and build from lessons learned

Vision Statement

The Seacoast Science Center will become the preeminent leader in informal science education in Northern New England, utilizing our staff, facilities and unique location, annually serving 75,000 visitors on site and 2,000 through distance learning by the year 2015 and emphasizing the importance of natural science to society and individuals.

To do this, we will focus on the following themes in exhibits, programs and practice:

  • connect people to the natural world around them
  • interpret climate change to demonstrate the dynamic properties of natural systems
  • hold our interpretive and business practices to high standards
  • highlight biodiversity to illustrate the fragility of our environment
  • place people and human activities in an environmental context
  • encourage and promote sustainable practices

As a leader in informal science education we will:

  • create personal learning experiences for all our audiences
  • integrate professional standards and metrics in program and exhibit design and maintenance
  • use regional examples to highlight or interpret environmental issues of global significance
  • demand exemplary communication skills to ensure the highest quality educational experiences
  • invite, educate and engage members of the community to assist in delivering our mission through a wide range of volunteer opportunities

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570 Ocean Blvd. Rye, NH 03870 | 603.436.8043