The comment from our mayor, David Faber, at the end of the article “Fort Worden Strategic Plan Proposes Sweeping Changes” demonstrates a common misconception about the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC). Mayor Faber was quoted, “I grew up going to Centrum camps and hanging out at the beach or going to the science center when it was there.”

Perhaps because of our presence downtown in the Flagship Landing building and our new “Whale on the Wharf” exhibit, it is frequently assumed that PTMSC has left Fort Worden. This is far from the truth!

In fact, the Aquarium on the pier recently reopened for the summer season, and the Museum on the shore has been open continuously. We are offering more low-tide walks than ever and our summer camps are nearly full. Citizen science projects also continue at Fort Worden.

While PTMSC has big plans to renovate the downtown building and relocate public exhibits there, we plan a continuing presence at Fort Worden. Once the downtown building is renovated (a project that will take at least five years), the PTMSC museum building at Fort Worden will become a “field station” base for summer camps, low-tide walks, citizen science projects, volunteer training, and environmental science education classes.

Since our founding in 1982, we have valued our partnership with State Parks, partner nonprofits and more recently, the PDA. We are deeply invested in the success of the entire campus and have dedicated many, many hours to collaborative efforts. We intend to continue to work closely with all parties involved toward a common vision of a thriving and vibrant lifelong learning center at Fort Worden.

We hope to see you this summer at the Fort!

Diane Baxter, Ph.D.

PTMSC Board President