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Adult Learning

Heritage Dinner Series

Author-adventurers, scientists and historians bring their fascinating stories and latest findings to our Heritage Dinner Series. Join us this winter on Thursday evenings this for enjoyable evenings of dinner and conversation.

The cost, which includes dinner, beverages and the talk, is $45/person for members; $55/person for non-members. Our Nature Store will open at 5:30 p.m. for your convenience. The reception begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner and presention. Seating is limited and space fills quickly. Full payment is required to reserve your seat; please contact Nichole at 603-436-8043, ext. 26 or info@seacentr.org to sign up.

2010 Heritage Dinner Series Schedule

February 11, 2010
Whales in an Urban Ocean with Dr. Scott Kraus

Sponsored by Appledore Marine Engineering

Our 2010 Heritage Dinner series begins with Dr. Scott Kraus for an insider's look at the current status of whale populations in the Gulf of Maine. Dr. Kraus is Vice President for Research at the New England Aquarium, and leader of the Aquarium's right whale research program, the longest-running and most comprehensive research program on a large whale species in the north Atlantic. There are only about 300 Right Whales in the North Atlantic - and Scott's description of human's impact on their marine world is enlightening, engaging and at times inspiring. You'll learn about how recent research has reduced some human-caused threats to these endangered mammals, as well as the challenges they still face to survive.

Dr. Kraus has worked on the biology of North Atlantic right whales since 1980, publishing numerous papers on many aspects of right whale biology and conservation. He is co-editor of The Urban Whale, a 2007 Harvard University Press book on right whales in the North Atlantic. He is adjunct faculty at University of Massachusetts at Boston and the University of Southern Maine. Kraus produced both the first North Atlantic humpback whale catalog and the first North Atlantic right whale catalog, research publications that utilize individually distinctive markings on animals to track life history. Kraus' recent studies are looking at methods for reducing bycatch of cetaceans and sea turtles in fishing gear by developing innovative fishing equipment. His research is increasingly focused on conservation issues faced by endangered species and habitats, and the difficulties of identifying features that animals need to survive in an increasingly urban ocean.

Scott will sign copies of his book after the presentation. The Urban Whale is in the Nature Store and will be available for purchase this evening.

Reservations must be made by February 5.

March 11, 2010
The Search for the Medusa with Charles Mazel

Sponsored by McLane Graf Raulerson & Middleton

In 1980 a French marine archaeological expedition sailed to the still-uncharted waters of the Arguin Bank, in search of a famous 19^th century wreck. On March 11, join the Technical Director of that mission, Charles Mazel, for a personal account of the adventures and technology used to locate the French frigate, Medusa. The tale of the Medusa has a prominent place in the annals of infamous sea disasters: of the 150 men and women abandoned on a makeshift raft only 15 remained alive, the rest having fallen victim to the sea, to mutiny, to starvation, and to cannibalism. The shipwreck and all that followed were the result of incompetent leadership, and when the tale reached France it caused a major political scandal, nearly toppling the government. But the story doesn't end there. It captured the imagination of the young artist Theodore Gericault, inspiring him to use it as the subject of a grand painting for the Paris Salon of 1819. Gericault's Scene of a Shipwreck (now known as Raft of the Medusa) was a sensation and proved to be a pivotal work in art history. It survives today as one of the treasures of the Louvre, and yet many people are unaware that it was based on an historical event.

Charlie's talk recounts three stories: the events of the shipwreck, including its causes and aftermath; how Gericault came to paint his masterpiece; and the expedition to locate the Medusa's remains.

Reservations must be made by March 5.

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