About Us

Our Mission: Inspiring Conservation of the Salish Sea

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) is an educational and scientific organization devoted to understanding and conserving our marine and shoreline environment.

 Through its various programs, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center:

• Teaches respect for and stewardship of the myriad life forms in that environment;
• Creates active and involving educational experiences for groups, with a particular emphasis on youth;
• Provides exhibits, programs, and publications featuring local marine and shoreline habitat, history, flora, and fauna;
• Encourages meaningful volunteer experiences in PTMSC activities;
• Provides citizen science opportunities for the general public; 
• Partners and cooperates with other organizations dedicated to the conservation of Puget Sound and the NW Straits;
• Encourages understanding of and participation in local, national, and international decisions impacting the marine and shoreline environment.

Our History

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center was founded in 1982 by two teachers and was initially run entirely by volunteers. Over the years the science center has continued to grow in a steady, thoughtful manner, and its volunteers, now numbering more than 100, are still integrally involved in the organization. Throughout its development, PTMSC has remained committed to its mission of inspiring conservation of the Salish Sea.

Our Founders

Judy D'Amore

Judy was a founder of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center back in 1982. Judy has had many roles at PTMSC over the years, including designing and coordinating many of our education programs for students and teachers.

Judy loves the challenge of creating experiences that make scientific information clear, accessible and interesting to everyone.

Libby Palmer

Libby was a founder of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center in 1982 along with Judy D'Amore. She has served the Center in many ways over the years including researching, designing, and creating the original contents for the Natural History Exhibit, developing and conducting teacher training workshops (Onshore/Offshore), developing and teaching the first day camps, and managing the Orca Project (with Chrissy McLean and Heather Jones).