Montshire Museum hosts OCEAN BOUND, a dynamic exhibition on watershed science and health.
Norwich, Vermont — The Montshire Museum of Science is excited to present Ocean Bound, an immersive exhibition on watersheds and watershed health.
In Ocean Bound, visitors of all ages will learn about the interconnectedness of watersheds, how water in our local watershed is truly “ocean bound,” and how our actions here have significant impacts downstream.
Ocean Bound will be on display from June 1 through September 8, 2024.
Why This Exhibition Matters Now
A watershed is a geographic catch basin of interconnected streams, wetlands and rivers that eventually drain to the ocean. No matter where you are, you are in a watershed. Watersheds are increasingly important indicators of planetary health, and are studied by scientists who research Earth’s ecosystem and climate change.
In Ocean Bound, visitors learn how their actions can help protect watersheds by adopting daily behaviors in their everyday lives. This exhibition is particularly relevant for us in the Upper Valley, as we are part of the larger and ecologically significant Connecticut River Watershed, which stretches from northern New Hampshire to the ocean through the Long Island Sound.
By highlighting key links between earth science, the biological sciences and engineering, Ocean Bound helps visitors understand not only the science behind watersheds, but also how science is a critical part of creating long-term solutions to protect vital freshwater and oceanic resources regionally, nationally, and globally. A critical aspect of this exhibition is that it invites museum visitors to become ambassadors for healthy watersheds and take positive action to steward Earth’s land and water.
With a full mile of riverfront shoreline as part of its campus, much of the Montshire’s commitment to advancing environmental education and climate leadership is influenced by our location along the Connecticut River.
The Exhibition Experience
In Ocean Bound, visitors embark on an exciting journey through watersheds through a series of immersive and interactive exhibit experiences. Visitors have the opportunity to guide water droplets safely through a hazardous maze, make it rain in a 3D watershed model, divert dangerous pollutants from a storm drain, and balance your own freshwater consumption with what’s needed in nature.
A key feature of the exhibition is a life-sized submersible which visitors can “pilot” from mountain stream to ocean, discovering rich aquatic life and habitats along the way via eye-popping HD underwater footage. Visitors will learn good personal habits that help sustain healthy environments, protect freshwater resources and oceans, and preserve the species that depend on clean water for survival, including our own.
Beneath the Surface: Special Presentations Celebrating the Opening of Ocean Bound, Saturday, June 8th
Ocean Bound was developed by the Sciencenter (Ithaca, NY) with an Environmental Literacy Grant from NOAA from 2009-2012, in a project spearheaded by the Montshire’s current Executive Director, Lara Litchfield-Kimber.
At 2pm, she and award-winning cinematographer, David O. Brown, who collected and curated custom underwater footage for the exhibition, will share behind-the-scenes reflections on the “Making of the Ocean Bound Exhibition”.
At 3pm, Mr. Brown will host a presentation on his professional career as an underwater cinematographer that bridges art and environmental science. Visitors will be introduced to Mr. Brown’s dive gear and specialized camera equipment.
Ocean Bound was developed by the Sciencenter, Ithaca, NY, with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is generously sponsored in part by GEOKON, Mascoma Bank, Adimab LLC, Chroma Technology Corporation, Bio X Cell, and LCS Controls, Inc.
About The Montshire Museum of Science
Recently named “Best Museum” in the 2023 Valley News Reader’s Choice Awards, the Montshire Museum of Science’s mission is to forge and empower a community of lifelong learners through engagement with science.
Located in beautiful Norwich, VT, the Montshire Museum of Science is open seven days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Daily admission is $20 for adults and $17 for children ages 2-17. The Museum is free for members and children under the age of two. Memberships are available. Visit montshire.org or call 802-649-2200 for more information.
The Montshire Museum of Science is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is supported by admission, membership, grants, and charitable contributions.
Media Contact:
Honor Hingston-Cox
Public and Media Relations Manager
Phone: 802 649 2200 x256
Email address: honor.hingston-cox@montshire.org