Do your young home school learners wanna know more about some of their favorite tide pool critters? Here at the Shaw Institute we will be offering a class to talk about all things echinoderm! These are the family that makes up sea stars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers! We give a brief lecture to describe […]
Word’s popular Poetry Crawl returns! Join us on an easy walk around Blue Hill village to hear a sequence of readings by remarkable poets, one poet at each of five local venues. There are 15 minute between readings to allow for relocating to the next venue. Dress warmly. The out-of-doors locations have an indoor alternative […]
Celebrate Halloween in downtown Blue Hill and visit Charlie the Shark's lair for a trick or treat. Doors open at 4 pm until candy and treats run out. More details coming soon!
Explore the intertidal zone through the art and science of cyanotype printmaking. This workshop, led by marine scientist, artist, and educator Rose Edwards, invites participants aged 10 and up to create memorable prints using algae, crab molts, and shells. All materials, including two 8.5” x 11” pieces of photosensitive fabric, are provided. The finished products […]
The Shaw Institute is proud to host Forever Ours: PFAS and Plastics, a thought-provoking art exhibition exploring humanity’s complex relationship with persistent materials like microplastics and PFAS. The exhibit, which runs through summer of 2026, opens with a public reception on Saturday, November 22, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at the Shaw Institute’s Environmental Education Center in downtown Blue […]
THIS EVENT IS FULL. Create a felt holiday ornament at the Shaw Institute's needling workshop! Local artist Reese will lead this hands-on class for parents and kids (ages 8+). Sharp needles are used, so children must be supervised by an adult. All participants creating an ornament must register. Accompanying adults who are not creating an […]
Meet the Shaw Institute’s resident shark, Charlie, at the Ellsworth Public Library on December 1, 2025. He loves to read books to kids about the ocean, teaching them why taking care of the ocean is important for us all. Your school or youth group will find the experience to be engaging and most of all […]
Join plastic pollution expert Dr. Charlie Rolsky at the University of Maine as he talks about how we've changed our relationship status with plastic to, "it's complicated". In this discussion, he'll demystify the truths and myths surrounding our use of this pervasive material, from the hidden dangers of microplastic pollution and its presence in the […]
Come celebrate Valentine's Day at the Shaw Institute! Enjoy Oysters, wine, and cheese (you know those good ol' aphrodisiacs) before our executive director shares an R-rated lecture on how critters find love in the natural world. He’ll speak about interesting mating strategies, wacky habits, strange mate choices, and relationship drama in the animal kingdom. From […]
Celebrate Earth Day with a free, community-powered event that brings together families, local schools, and environmental organizations in a shared commitment to protecting our planet. This year’s special feature is “Dear Community” Kids Letters — an inspiring project where children write letters or create drawings expressing their commitment to the Earth and their community. Submissions […]
Celebrate the first anniversary of our 200-gallon touch tank! With special treats courtesy of our friends at the Blue Chill and Hannaford's. If you've been here before, come rediscover all our critters native to the Gulf of Maine. And if you've never visited, this is the perfect opportunity to take in this amazing hands-on experience. […]
As part part of the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours series, come visit the Shaw Institute in downtown Blue Hill! Guests can view the touch tank, aquariums, and exhibits. Researchers and volunteers will be available to answer questions and talk about Shaw's work. Additionally, we'll have lab tours every half hour starting at […]