Shaw Institute

06/05/2026

🌎 Today is World Environment Day, a reminder that protecting our planet starts with understanding it.

At Shaw Institute, we're committed to advancing science that helps safeguard both environmental and human health—from studying microplastics and pollution to educating the next generation of environmental stewards.

The rugged coast of Maine inspires our work every day, and we're proud to call it home.

Together, we can build a healthier future for people and the planet. For an up close an personal opportunity to learn about our science, the environment and how it's all connected to human health, come visit us Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

🌞 Extended summer hours coming soon!

06/04/2026

🐙 Science. Sea Life. Exploration. Fun. 🌊

At the Shaw Institute, we dreamed of creating a place where curiosity comes alive — and now it’s happening, with even more improvements coming in the near future. From our famous 200-gallon touch tank and aquariums to our underwater virtual ocean explorer, marine mammal skeletons, artwork, and behind-the-scenes research lab tours, there’s something here for explorers of all ages. And you can even take something home with you from our nifty gift shop, offering something for visitors of all ages.

Best of all? Admission is currently FREE due to the support of local businesses and donations from individuals like you. If you have the means, consider a donation to help us keep FREE admission going: https://shawinstitute.org/donate/

Come discover the science happening right here in Blue Hill … then get inspired to head outside and explore the incredible ecosystems around us.

📍 Open Thursday–Saturday | 10am–4pm
☀️ Expanded summer hours coming soon!

And stay tuned for breaking news about an all-new aquarium that comes courtesy of our friends at

Learn more at https://shawinstitute.org/

06/03/2026

Come join us this Saturday at the Blue Hill Co-op, where our Executive Director (and science superstar), Dr. Charles Rolsky, PhD, will be presenting a FREE talk in honor of World Ocean Day! It's all happening from 5pm to 7pm .. so come on out and learn about plastic pollution, our oceans and more!

06/02/2026

🫏 Science, Sustainability and a Donkey?

That’s not usually how people describe a prestigious international scientific conference — but it perfectly captures the Shaw Institute’s experience at the SETAC Europe 36th Annual Meeting in Maastricht, Netherlands.

Dr. Charlie Rolsky and Dr. James Brown led two sessions at the global conference, including one focused on moving microplastics research beyond fear-mongering and toward trustworthy, objective science.

And somewhere along the way … there was also a donkey. 🫏

Read the full story:
https://shawinstitute.org/2026/06/02/setac-europe-2026-microplastics-research-maastricht/

A firsthand look at SETAC Europe 2026 in Maastricht and the push for more trustworthy, solutions-driven microplastics research.

05/30/2026

A huge thank you to Barncastle Hotel & Restaurant for supporting the mission of the Shaw Institute through their first-ever Mayfest celebration! 🍻💙

We are incredibly grateful that Barncastle offered brewery-branded tasting glasses in exchange for donations to our efforts — and that they are also donating a portion of the event’s ticket sales to support our work in environmental research and science education.

Community partnerships like this make a real impact and help us continue expanding hands-on learning opportunities, advancing critical research, and connecting people to the environment around them.

Thank you to Lizzie, Owen, Leroy (woof!) and the entire Barncastle team, and to everyone who attended Mayfest and helped support our mission! 👏🌎🔬

Want to see first-hand what they're supporting? Come by can visit us today. We're here until 4pm.

05/28/2026

Dive into discovery this week at the Shaw Institute’s Environmental Education Center! 🌊🦀🐚

Our 200-gallon touch tank is ready to welcome visitors of all ages for a true hands-on experience with some amazing Gulf of Maine marine life. Explore interactive exhibits, aquariums, marine mammal artifacts, and learn how science helps us better understand the connection between environmental and human health.

We’re open today through Saturday from 10am to 4pm — and admission is FREE thanks to the support of our incredible donors and sponsors.

Come make some memories, learn something new, and get your hands wet! 💙

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, selflessness, and dedication to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the families who have endured unimaginable loss. Your strength and sacrifice are part of the legacy we honor today. ❤️🤍💙

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this day and remember those who gave everything for our country.

Wishing everyone a safe, meaningful, and peaceful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

PFAS contamination continues to be one of the most important environmental and public health issues facing communities today — and we’re proud to be working alongside CycloPure, Inc. to help expand access to PFAS water testing across Maine.

This new article from them highlights how the Shaw Institute is helping empower residents with valuable information about contaminants in their drinking water while advancing awareness around the connection between environmental and human health.

Read more here: https://cyclopure.com/how-the-shaw-institute-is-helping-maine-communities-access-pfas-water-testing-with-cyclopure/

Please note that our Environmental Education Center is closed today, but we’ll reopen tomorrow from 10am to 4pm. We hope you’ll stop in to explore our touch tank, aquariums, interactive exhibits, and learn more about the science behind our mission.

Fix the water. Fix the world. We developed DEXSORB to eliminate PFAS.

05/21/2026

Please note that we are closed today and tomorrow.

We reopen on Saturday - 10am to 4pm.