Watermarks Magazine Fall/Winter 2011

M AGA ZINE OF THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM • FALL/WINTER 2011

LOOK WHO'S LURKING

in Washington, DC!

Aquarium Celebrates 30 Years In Baltimore

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2011 Holiday Gift Guide

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER

EXPERIENCE AN IMMERSION TOUR! Dive beneath the surface and discover a world behind the glass that is full of surprises.

The Dolphin Encounter brings guests side-by-side with trainers in a hands-on training and play session.

BREAKFAST WITH THE DOLPHINS Start your day with our dolphins! Enjoy a continental breakfast and an interactive program with trainers.

DOLPHIN SLEEPOVER Get the inside scoop on our dolphin family, enjoy reserved seating at the dolphin show and explore behind the scenes!

GALLERY TOUR njoy a guided tour and see E our most popular exhibits before the crowds arrive.

SHARKS! BEHIND-THESCENES TOUR et uncomfortably close to G our shark collection with an expert guide, and dare to walk the catwalk as sharks swim silently below!

SLEEPOVER WITH THE SHARKS Take a nocturnal prowl through behind-the-scenes areas with an expert guide, and dare to walk the catwalk as sharks swim silently below.

GUEST DIVER PROGRAM Experience the best diving in Maryland. Enjoy dives in two of the Aquarium’s most popular exhibits—the Atlantic Coral Reef and Wings in the Water.

Visit aqua.org/immersiontours for a complete list of programs, dates and non-member pricing. Call 410-576-3833 for reservations.

Dates are subject to change without notice. Please check aqua.org/immersiontours for current dates and times.

At the Aquarium Baltimore, MD | aqua.org

Washington, DC | nationalaquarium.org

NOVEMBER–FEBRUARY: Open Monday–Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.;

Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Open every day 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. You may tour the Aquarium for 30 minutes after the last entry time.

MARCH–JUNE: Open Friday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; All other days 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Membership Office Hours Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

You may tour the Aquarium for 90 minutes after the last entry time.

Visit aqua.org for specific entry times of the day(s) you plan to visit.

4-D THEATER & DOLPHIN SHOW Shows daily. Please check aqua.org for times.

Membership Office Hours Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Main Aquarium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-576-3800 Member Advanced Ticket Sales . . . . 410-727-FISH Annual Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-576-8678 Aquadopt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Corporate Membership . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership Services . . . . . . . . . . . .

Program Registration . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special Gifts, Estate Planning . . . . . .

TDD/TTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Volunteer Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

410-576-8840 410-576-3866 410-659-4230 410-727-FISH 410-576-8535 410-625-0720 410-576-3886

Main Aquarium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Volunteer Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Birthday Parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rent our DC Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . nationalaquarium.org/catering

202-482-2826 202-482-2825 410-659-4230 202-482-0852 202-482-2782 202-207-5060

Daily Animal Encounters* FREE! with Aquarium Admission LUNCHTIME WITH THE SHARKS

Monday, Wednesday & Saturday: 2 p.m.

LUNCHTIME WITH THE PIRANHAS

Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday: 2 p.m.

LUNCHTIME WITH THE ALLIGATORS

Friday: 2 p.m. * Daily animal encounters are subject to change without notice.

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New Beginnings

Holiday Gift Guide

New CEO John Racanelli hits the ground swimming

MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

Commemorative Gift Ideas from Baltimore, Maryland

The National Aquarium Community

A copy of the National Aquarium’s financial statement is available upon written request. Documents filed in accordance with the Maryland Charitable Organizations Solicitation Act may be obtained from the Maryland Secretary of State.

This issue of Watermarks magazine is dedicated to the supportive, committed individuals who make our work possible and meaningful.

Our Founders

Our Partners

© 2011 National Aquarium

4 Governor William Donald Schaefer Then-Mayor Schaefer worked to bring an Aquarium to Baltimore

16 Chef Eric Yeager New Harbor Market Kitchen offers fresh, local and delicious options

14 Frank Gunther, Jr. One of the Aquarium’s earliest supporters thanks Baltimore

Our Volunteers

CFC # 11251

MCC # 4099

CCC # 4099

EDITOR

Tracey Lynn Shifflett watermarkseditor@aqua.org CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

18 Marjorie Lynn Bank Aquarium lecture series is a loving tribute to an eco-conscious diver

Tom Pfeifer, Molly Sheehan

Our Animals

DESIGN

14 Calypso Aquarium’s 3-flippered green sea turtle is an aquatic ambassador

Natalie A. Castaldo, Maryn Jacobs PHOTOGRAPHY

George Grall, Ken Stanek

Our Supporters

Our Visitors 5 45 Millionth Visitors Aquarium celebrates 45 million visitors

Our Members

8 Nina Selin Long-time supporter shares the history of the National Aquarium, Washington, DC 17 Selma Carton Aquarium donor has a love of Baltimore and a legacy of giving

7 Mark Mullin 30-year Corporate Members host a conservation day

ON THE COVER

An albino alligator is on exhibit at the National Aquarium, Washington DC venue from October 2011 – February 2012.

By printing on recycled paper using vegetable-based inks and wind power, the National Aquarium saved the following resources: TR EES

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fully grown

ENERGY

SOLID WA S TE

BTUs

pounds

X X Million

X,X X X

Impact estimates were made using the Environmental Defense Calculator.

WATER

GR EENHOUSE GAS

gallons

pounds

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X,X X X

New Beginnings John Racanelli Joins the National Aquarium

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[In this issue] you will read about the National Aquarium’s history and hear from some members of our community, in their own words...

”

John Racanelli has spent nearly 20 years in leadership positions with major U.S aquariums. He was the first CEO of the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, where he built the facility, team and vision for Tampa Bay’s leading cultural attraction. Prior to that, he served as Monterey Bay Aquarium’s vice president of marketing and development, joining that aquarium a year before its opening.

Racanelli has dedicated his career to ocean conservation and awareness. A passionate advocate for ocean conservation, he was formerly president of Racanelli Partners, Inc., a San Francisco-based consulting firm that serves the needs of non-profit leaders nationally and globally, focusing on cultural and conservation organizations. He has worked with renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, to create conservation outreach initiatives that inspire action and environmental awareness, including Google Ocean and Mission Blue, which was in partnership with the National Geographic Society.

In July, Racanelli became the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Aquarium, arriving as we celebrated our 30th year on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. It was an occasion to pay homage to the Aquarium’s rich history in the Baltimore community and launch its promising future.

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s the National Aquarium’s CEO and someone who has devoted his life to environmental stewardship, I am passionately invested in everything we do as conservation leaders with two world-class entertainment attractions that connect more than one million visitors each year to our world’s aquatic treasures. As National Aquarium members, you have invested in us and you are at the heart of all the important work we do for our blue planet. I am honored to be invited into your homes with my first issue of Watermarks magazine, and very excited to share the future of this great institution with all of you.

When I joined the National Aquarium this summer, the festivities for our 30th anniversary events were well underway.

During the celebration, I witnessed the enthusiasm and commitment of the Aquarium staff and volunteers; and the pride Baltimore City has for this Aquarium. It was an exhilarating time to join this team of talented and conscientious individuals, as they poised to do even more for the communities we serve and the natural world.

In this issue of Watermarks, you will read about the National Aquarium’s history and hear from some members of our collective community, who have been pivotal to the Aquarium’s creation, growth and continued success. I am proud to be one voice in a sea of committed people who are using their personal and professional paths to protect and advocate for the

health our life-giving waters and aquatic animals. Their stories are an important part of our history, and the building blocks of our future.

My own story has taken me around the world. From my adventurous endeavors fishing king crab in Alaska’s Bering Sea; during my first job scrubbing tanks at a California marine park; to my new role here at the National Aquarium, the common thread in my story is the desire to make an impact on the health of our singular, interconnected world ocean.

Truthfully, it has driven every professional decision I’ve ever made. As my favorite pastimes are sailing, surfing and diving, the desire to preserve our natural resources clearly drives many of my personal decisions too.

right where the Aquarium stands today. It was not the city that we now know. The harbor front was empty of commerce and an area predominantly occupied by sailors and tough characters, but I loved even Baltimore then.

When the National Aquarium opened in 1981, it was a true symbol of urban revitalization and community pride. It was an economic engine for Baltimore and it actually spawned an entire new industry. The modern movement towards inspiring care for our blue planet can trace much of its origin to the National Aquarium, which set a new standard for appreciating the aquatic world when it opened 30 years ago.

That part of my story began early. When I was 11 years old, my dad took me snorkeling in Mexico. I remember looking down at a crab scuttling across the ocean floor and thinking ‘I’ve got to get down there!’ By the time I was 17 years old, I was scrubbing those aforementioned tanks and planning a college curriculum around marine biology. Sometimes, a story’s prologue is its shortest component.

Today, while many communities may boast newer and bigger facilities, few have either the brand or the birthright to be the model that inspired all others, both nationally and globally. There is only one National Aquarium. That’s why, years later, as CEO of the Florida Aquarium, I returned to Baltimore to talk with local leaders about the Harbor's revitalization success. It was a model for Tampa’s urban renewal, as it has been for many cities.

It was one of many ways my story has included the National Aquarium.

I’m a native Californian, but I’m no stranger to Baltimore. In a way, my involvement with aquariums began with the National Aquarium. In 1976, I sailed as navigator of The Explorer, a tall ship doing a Bicentennial voyage from the west coast to New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. We docked at Pier 3,

Joining the National Aquarium represents an opportunity to take all I've learned and apply it to an institution I've admired for 30 years. I am deeply honored to be a part of carrying its mission forward. And I’m grateful to have you, our members, sharing this next chapter of the National Aquarium’s story with me.

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OUR FOUNDERS

Governor William Donald Schaefer Governor William Donald Schaefer was the Baltimore City mayor when the National Aquarium opened in 1981. In fact, the National Aquarium was his idea. During a trip to Boston’s New England Aquarium, he was struck by the potential that a similar aquarium could have for downtown Baltimore. It wasn’t long before state and city business leaders and citizens rallied behind his proposal.

Governor Schaefer’s relationship with the National Aquarium continued for nearly 30 years. One of our favorite memories is of him touring the Aquarium’s buildings alone, late in the evening, to ponder something. He said the atmosphere was peaceful and helped him focus his thoughts. Governor Schaefer was an unfailing supporter and a good friend of the National Aquarium. He passed away on April 18, 2011, and he is greatly missed.

The following was originally printed in the Aquarium's first annual report in 1981. It is Governor Schaefer sharing, in his own words, what the National Aquarium meant to him.

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or many Baltimoreans the Aquarium has become a symbol of a city that believes in itself. Most Baltimoreans had never seen an aquarium when they were asked to vote for the idea in 1976. The referendum did pass, however, probably because voters realized that an aquarium would be an exciting addition to the Inner Harbor area. As a living museum, it has become a symbol of Baltimore’s new life, or renewal, and of the city’s relationship to the Chesapeake Bay. Despite its wide-ranging potential, the Aquarium was conceived and constructed, first and foremost, for the citizens of Baltimore; and, I believe it succeeded in improving the quality of life for the residents of Baltimore and its surrounding counties.

The Aquarium has opened up a whole world

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for people who might never have the opportunity to explore a South American rain forest or an Atlantic Coral Reef.

Maryland school children have a unique living classroom that they can enter without charge. New jobs have been created, and internships and volunteer positions have helped men and women gain useful skills and knowledge of the world of water.

The Aquarium has also helped put Baltimore on the map as a major cultural center. One of the newest, most sophisticated, and largest facilities of its kind, the Aquarium has generated local, regional and national interest in the city. The result of this overwhelming praise and support has been a change in the city’s tourism character. Baltimore is now attracting a larger number of visitors from around the country as well as from around

the globe. That success can’t help but have a positive effect on the rest of the city. The National Aquarium is keeping alive the city's new feeling of price and delight in itself.

Love the Aquarium?

Membership pays for itself after just one visit and supports our operations. Give the gift of Membership! aqua.org/membership LEFT Staff and volunteers tipped their hats in final salute to one of the National Aquarium’s founding fathers.

RIGHT Governor Schaefer declared he’d swim in the seal pool if the aquarium opening was delayed. In the end, it was only slightly delayed, but he was a man of his word, and his dip into the seal pool provided the most memorable opening day images in history.

OUR VISITORS

45 Millionth Visitors On October 22, the Eric Nelson and Anita Martin family of Springfield, Virginia became the National Aquarium, Baltimore’s 45 millionth visitors. This lucky family enjoyed a fun-filled day at the Aquarium, a year-long National Aquarium membership and a special gift basket.

Told by Eric Nelson, the family shares what it feels like to be a part of National Aquarium and Baltimore history.

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e came to Baltimore to participate as a family in a Cub Scout sleepover event on the USS Constellation for my fiance’s son, Sam. We’ve been to aquariums all over the country and no one loves sea life as much this family, so we came earlier in the day to walk around the National Aquarium.

fiance Anita was standing to the side with her other son Spencer and she said she sensed the increased energy and saw a staff member inching closer to us at the window, and another staff member near her smiling.

The next thing I knew, a siren sounded, popper streamers were flying all around us, and Charles Myers, the director of visitor services, was congratulating us on being the 45 millionth visitors to the Aquarium.

People started clapping and cheering. Anita ran up to me and said “Can you believe this?”

All I could say was: “Wow, this is so cool.”

When we were in line to buy our tickets, we noticed a photographer and some Aquarium uniformed personnel next to the ticket center window. As we approached the window, I told my oldest daughter, Devyn, not to look directly at the photographer. I thought maybe they were just getting candid visitor shots, and didn’t want to ruin it by looking posed.

I found out later that Devyn and her sister Rheagan were already speculating that maybe it was something newsworthy. Sometimes kids are more intuitive than adults!

We were so surprised. Nothing like this had ever happened to us before. The Aquarium's director of advertising and promotion Celia Lourens, was the smiling staffer next to Anita, and she handed us this great gift basket and announced that we were going on a special behind-the-scenes tour. The visit we planned became so much more than we expected. We got to have an encounter with the dolphins (our favorite animals!), and had lunch in the Aquarium’s new Harbor Market Kitchen.

As I was completing the ticket transaction, I realized the photographer was really snapping away. Then I began to wonder because he hadn’t taken that many of other people. My

The kids were on their phones, bragging to their friends on Facebook. I felt like we were guiding a virtual tour! Whether or not someone is a milestone visitor like we were, everyone needs to come to the National Aquarium. We’ll be coming back, and this time as Aquarium members, which was another surprise. Anita said it was destiny because we love water so much, and we’re interested in learning more about the Aquarium’s conservation efforts.

Nothing can compare to this visit. This was a once in a lifetime experience. It was an incredible day, and we thank the aquarium for allowing us to have such a wonderful experience. We loved the special treatment and feel very blessed that we were the ‘lucky ones!’

Share Your Story!

Find us on Facebook and Twitter and other online communities to become part of the conversation. aqua.org/connect

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OUR FOUNDERS

Frank A. Gunther, Jr. Mr. Frank A. Gunther, Jr. was one of the Aquarium's earliest and staunchest supporters. As the chair of the Aquarium's first board of directors, Mr. Gunther led the planning stages, construction phase and the first year of the Aquarium's operation.

Mr. Gunther later reprised that leadership role as the Aquarium’s fifth chairman of the Board of Directors, and he has sustained his active support ever since as its Governor Emeritus. To honor his long committment to the National Aquarium, an award is granted annually to an employee whose dedication reflects Mr. Gunther’s example of outstanding achievement and commitment to service to the Aquarium, its visitors and the community.

The following letter from Mr. Gunther was originally published in 1981, in the Aquarium's first annual report. Mr. Gunther used the opportunity to personally thank the Aquarium’s many supporters. Its sentiment of gratitude is as timely and relevant today as it was 30 years ago.

B

altimore’s renewal has depended on the partnership of the private and public sectors, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore is a prime example of the results of this partnership.

Since 1976, when several dedicated citizens helped the city government pass the bond issue which provided funding for the Aquarium’s construction, these two groups have worked together to give the people of Baltimore the best aquarium in the world.

A board of directors, selected by Mayor William Donald Schaefer from all segments of the community, laid the groundwork for the Aquarium’s construction and future development. The members of this first board contributed their expertise in

construction, law, marketing, education, finance and public relations, and helped build a staff with experience in aquarium operations and husbandry. As a result, the Aquarium now has a solid foundation and a multi-talented competent staff.

Shortly before opening, the Aquarium also received aid from the corporate community, local foundations, and interested individuals. Members of this group responded to a call for help by donating funds for the creation of exhibits, the establishment of marketing and education departments, and the acquisition of specimens. In addition to financial support, community residents gave of their time and talents, and it would not be possible to put a price tag on their

contributions. As volunteers, they worked with city personnel to ensure the development of the Aquarium as a high-quality cultural and recreational facility.

In this letter, I refrained from naming any individuals because so many gave so much that it would be impossible to return proper credit. The Aquarium’s supporters are all great people, and they join me when I promise that the best is still to come.

Share Your Story!

Find us on Facebook and Twitter and other online communities to become part of the conversation. aqua.org/connect

Holiday Wishlist Our education team will gratefully accept these items which will help them support our programs. If you can’t decide, gift cards help too.

Small TV with DVD player Double-Sided office printer ■ Laptop ■ Mini LCD projector ■ D batteries ■ Sheet laminator ■ Dry erase markers and erasers ■ Dissection scissors ■ Folding cart ■ Mini Van ■ Garmin GPS ■

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To make a tax-deductible donation, contact Suzanne Boyle at 410-576-8877 or sboyle@aqua.org.

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OUR MEMBERS

Mark Mullin This fall, all of AEGON’s U.S. retail operations were brought together under the company’s flagship brand Transamerica.

AEGON, hence Transamerica, has been a National Aquarium corporate member since 1981.

Mark W. Mullin is President and CEO of Transamerica. He began his career with AEGON as senior security analyst in 1987, and held numerous strategic leadership positions before being named president of the company’s North American operations in 2009 and CEO in 2010.

In October, Mullin led 70 people from Transamerica’s senior leadership team—some of whom traveled from as far as the Netherlands and Brazil—for a special teambuilding experience that aimed also to give back to the community at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historical Shrine in Baltimore.

Mullin shares the experience of this special event and what 30 years of corporate membership with the National Aquarium means to Transamerica.

Aquarium corporate members, we support its mission to conserve aquatic treasures and it aligns well with our philanthropic goals.

We also share common objectives of education, literacy and sustainability, and welcome the opportunity to engage our employees and clients in those objectives. It is also why we have supported the National Aquarium in numerous projects over the years, including the Henry Hall Scholarship Program and the Australia exhibit. Our core business is to provide long-term commitments to individuals and families. As such, when we look at philanthropic opportunities we seek to align with organizations and causes that have long-term focus and are likewise aimed at creating a better future.

A

s our two buses unloaded in front of the Fort McHenry visitor center, the cloudy skies weren’t enough to dampen the enthusiasm of Transamerica employees who were excited about spending the afternoon at one of the area’s most historic treasures.

When we were preparing our senior leadership meeting, the prospect of partnering with the National Aquarium to turn a team building exercise into something purposeful for the community fit perfectly with the challenge we’ve put to our senior leaders: to ensure that all of our actions are an extension of our purpose and mission as a company. It was also an opportunity to expose our colleagues to the Aquarium’s excellent work.

Our employees take seriously their commitments to the local communities in which they live and work. This is best expressed in the new tag line for Transamerica, which also represents our mission to “Transform Tomorrow.” The day spent clearing the wetland area around Fort McHenry was a manifestation of our determination to make a difference where and when we can, and hopefully transform tomorrow for others. We have a corporate philosophy of civic responsibility that is the basis for our continued support for many of Baltimore’s vital institutions. As long-time National

Cleaning-up the vital wetland at Fort McHenry provided a startling realization of the threat posed to this natural resource by human neglect. There is an incredible amount of waste that collects in the wetland every month. Those who discard plastic bottles, Styrofoam cups and other debris should understand how they are compromising one of our area’s most beautiful and valuable resources. Our afternoon doing

clean-up brought our philosophy to life and gave us the welcome occasion to get out in the fresh air, get our boots dirty and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that results with teamwork performed for an important cause.

It was a very successful and fulfilling day, and we’re grateful to the Aquarium for making it possible. I encourage others in the corporate community to likewise take the opportunity to make a positive difference with the National Aquarium. It’s an ideal way to enjoy one of our area’s most impressive natural resources, create camaraderie among your team, and really live out the fact that we all have broader responsibilities.

Join The Aquarium Corporate Membership is a great way to reward employees and engage them in conservation.

Visit aqua.org/membership.

Holiday Wishlist Our conservation team will gratefully accept these items which will help the volunteers keep dry and comfortable.

Seine net

R ain boots ■ 10x10 or 12x12 pop-up shade tents ■ Tarps ■ ■

To make a tax-deductible donation, contact Suzanne Boyle at 410-576-8877 or sboyle@aqua.org.

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OUR SUPPORTERS

Nina Selin Nina E. Selin is a former teacher, long-time National Aquarium board member and former chair, and an avid supporter of the National Aquarium. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband, the Honorable Ivan Selin, near their two children and their grandchildren. In addition to their work with the Aquarium, the Selins established the Selin Family Foundation and actively support the Smithsonian Institute and other organizations.

Mrs. Selin played a pivotal role in creating the partnership between the separate National Aquariums in Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland. She shares that experience and her affection for the nation’s first public aquarium.

I

began my career teaching young children. As a teacher, you learn what resonates with children and what connects their classroom lessons to the world around them. Zoos, aquariums and museums pique their interest and get them excited about learning. When they are excited, they tend to remember and care as they grow into adults.

Before the National Aquarium opened its doors in Baltimore, I was teaching in Washington, DC. I was well acquainted with several friends of the nation’s first public aquarium, located in the Commerce Building on Constitution Avenue.

It was called “The National Aquarium,” and it traced its origin back more than one hundred years to a fishing research laboratory started by the Federal Fish Commission.

Though it was federally funded, it struggled over the years. In 1982, when the federal government discontinued its funding, I was among a private group of loyal supporters who assumed its operation.

Meanwhile, in 1981 the Baltimore Aquarium opened on the Inner Harbor. Then-Mayor Schaefer realized that the size of this new aquarium, its state-of-the-art exhibits and its proximity to the nation’s capital made it a candidate for designation as the “National Aquarium.” Such a designation would mean national visibility for the new facility and for the city of Baltimore. Maryland’s congressional leadership rallied. Senator Charles Mathias spearheaded the effort, and with the full support of Senator Paul Sarbanes and Representative Barbara Mikulski, the Baltimore Aquarium became the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

During the 1980s, I took my students to both Aquarium venues, and shared the 8 WATERMARKS | FALL/WINTER 2 011

opinion of my colleagues in the DC Public School System that we should band together to preserve the Aquarium in Washington for future generations. It was, and still is, a living museum in one of the foremost cultural meccas in our country, and it provides a valuable educational experience for our students. Many of us who cared deeply about this little aquarium felt it could benefit from a partnership with its fellow aquarium to the north. I was part of the group led by thenSecretary of Commerce Howard Malcolm (“Mac”) Baldrige, Jr., and including his wife Midge Baldrige, U.S. congressional members, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other federal agencies, that promoted an initiative to bring the nation’s first public aquarium together with the National Aquarium in Baltimore to form a new National Aquarium “family.”

Since that merger in 2004, the National Aquarium in Washington has come a long way. In 2008, we completed an extreme makeover, and now the Washington venue houses more than 250 species in vibrant, thriving habitats representing some of America’s national parks and marine sanctuaries. Currently, I am working with Aquarium leadership and fellow supporters on its next transformation: the new National Aquarium in Washington, DC will expand by more than 30,000 square feet and house at least 30 new exhibits that will take visitors on an awe-inspiring journey of aquatic habitats from every corner of the United States and its territories. It’s a very exciting time, and I’m proud to be a part of this living history for future generations.

Have You Seen It? Don't miss the albino alligator in DC! Now through Feb 2012 nationalaquarium.org

Holiday Wishlist Our animal rescue team would gratefully accept these contributions which will help them provide shade and care for stranded animals on the beach and offer enrichment activities for these seals and turtles during rehabilitation.

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Helly Hansen rain pants (call for sizes)

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Residential icemaker

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Towels (assorted sizes)

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Plastic totes (assorted sizes) with lids

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Beach umbrellas

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Binoculars

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Tuffy’s dog toys (durability rating of 5 or greater)

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Hula hoops

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Pool "noodles"

To make a tax-deductible donation, contact Suzanne Boyle at 410-576-8877 or sboyle@aqua.org.

Online Connections The National Aquarium is redesigning aqua.org!

We are pleased to give our members this sneak peek of the new website, scheduled to launch in March 2012. It will be visually beautiful and offer cutting-edge functionality. Some specific improvements include: an interactive animal learning tool; an updated trip planner tool to help you make the most of your visit; a fully integrated events calendar; tools to share our content on your favorite social media platforms; and much more!

In addition, we are combining aqua.org and nationalaquarium. org into one site, aqua.org, that encompasses both the Baltimore and Washington, DC, venues.

National Aquarium Institute Dr. Carole C. Baldwin

Mr. James L. Connaughton

Mr. Michael J. Batza, Jr.

Mr. James M. Dale

BOARD LIST

Mr. Mohannad F. Jishi Secretary Mr. Orlan M. Johnson

Mr. Mark Bearman

Mrs. Jane W. I. Droppa

Mr. Neal D. Borden Member-At-Large

Mr. Michael Dunmyer Member-At-Large

Mr. Karl S. Bourdeau

Mr. Mark P.S. Edward

Kumar Mahadevan, Ph.D.

Mr. David R. Bowen

Ms. Ann T. Gallant

Mr. James Bowers

Mr. Andrew L. Good Treasurer

Ms. Donna Morrison Non-Voting, Ex Officio

Dr. Torrey C. Brown Mr. Marc Bunting Marilyn Carp Mr. Robert E. Carter Chair –Elect Mr. Howard P. Colhoun

Saul Ewing LLP Mr. Charles E. Knudsen, III

Mr. B. Dwight Perry

Mr. Mark Rovner

Mr. Donald S. Pettit

Mr. Mark Sapperstein

Mr. Charles A. Phillips

Mr. Jim Seay Member-At-Large

Mr. J. Scott Plank Mr. John C. Racanelli Officer

Mrs. Nina Selin Mr. John D. Shulman

Ms. Diana Ramsay

Ms. Anna L. Smith

Mr. Robert J. Neuman, Jr.

Ms. Jennifer W. Reynolds Chair

Ms. Tamika Langley Tremaglio

Mrs. Mary R. Graul

Mr. Damian C. O’Doherty

Mr. K. Lee Riley, Jr.

Ms. C. Elizabeth Wagner

Mr. Randall M. Griffin

Ms. Kaliope Parthemos, Esq. Non-Voting, Ex Officio

Mr. William R. Roberts Immediate Past Chair

Mr. Peter S. Welles

Mr. Scott Gudes Mr. Frank A. Gunther, Jr. Life Director Mr. Charles T. Hopkins

Ms. Marianela Peralta Member-At-Large

Mr. Thomas E. Robinson

Mr. Otto Wolff Dr. Daniel A. Wubah

Mr. W. Charles Rogers, III

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24– Thanksgiving; Aquarium Closed

25– Christmas; Aquarium Closed

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

11-12

2

haracter Days C 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

MD

Your kids’ favorite movie characters and Nickelodeon personalities are making guest appearances at the Aquarium! You won’t want to miss special photo opportunities. Plan your visit and arrive early.

FREE! *

12

Boy & Girl Scout Day 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

World Holiday Traditions 5 – 8 p.m.

Member Only Evening 6 – 9 p.m.

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Polar Express Celebration 5:30 – 7 p.m.

MD

Join us for this special Polar Express 4-D Experience TM . Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and a special screening (with Conductor!) of this holiday favorite. Don't miss the live ice sculpting on the plaza.

Additional 4D ticket required, fee applies.

12 WATERMARKS | FALL/WINTER 2 011

MD

True to tradition, we offer our annual holiday treat to our community! Join us on dollar or less days brought to you by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and get discounted general aquarium admission for just $1!

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Members Only Morning 9 – 10 a.m.

MD

Polar Express 4-D ExperienceTM returns to the National Aquarium.

Enjoy a FREE showing and a crowd-free tour.

RSVP required. 410-727-3474 JANUARY

6

MD

have the chance to enjoy a relaxing and crowd-free visit. Space is limited, so reservations are required. Call 410-727-FISH.

Dollar Days All day!

MEMBERS ONLY! The

MD

MEMBERS ONLY! Members

MD

The Aquarium celebrates World Holiday Traditions with special programming to highlight traditions in art, music, dance and literature.

FREE! *

Join us for an exciting day filled with animal encounters, character appearances and a special gift! Special pricing for groups of 15 or more.

Call 410-576-3833 to reserve your group.

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3-4

5 – 8 p.m.

MD

From September through March 23, general Aquarium admission tickets are $8 for entry at 5 p.m. or later on Fridays. Dolphin and 4-D shows can be added on for $4 each.

Ticket availability is limited; advance purchase is recommended.

Asian-Pacific Heritage 5 – 8 p.m.

MD

The Aquarium celebrates Asian-Pacific Heritage with special programming to highlight traditions in art, music, dance and literature.

FREE! *

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Australia Day All Day!

MD

Come visit us for Australian themed activities as we celebrate Australia Day here at America’s Aquarium!

FREE! *

* with Aquarium Admission

FEBRUARY

1

Members Only Evening 6 – 9 p.m.

MD

NOW SHOWING IN THE 4D IMMERSION THEATRE

MEMBERS ONLY! Members

have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing and crowd-free visit.

Space is limited, so reservations are required.

Call 410-727-FISH.

3

Black History 5 – 8 p.m.

MD

The Aquarium celebrates Black History with special programming to highlight traditions in art, music, dance and literature.

FREE! *

25

Reptile & Amphibian Day 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

DC

FREE! * Learn

about reptiles and their important role in the ecosystem. through activities such as crafts and storytime. Aquarium staff will answer questions and provide talks throughout the day. Don’t miss the alligator exhibit, and a shark feeding at 2 p.m.

29

Fresh Thoughts 6 – 9 p.m., DC

COMING SOON! 2012

DC

The Fresh Thoughts Dining Series returns to Washington, DC. Chef Xavier Deshayes, executive chef at the Ronald Reagan Building creates spectacular gourmet three-course meals, featuring sustainable seafood. Enjoy a cocktail reception, a Q&A with the chef, and an after-hours stroll through the Aquarium. $79 for members, $89 for non-members. Visit nationalaquarium.org for more information.

BALTIMORE, MD | 501 East Pratt Street • Baltimore, MD 21202 • aqua.org

MARCH

2

Women's History 5 – 8 p.m.

10

MD

The Aquarium celebrates Women's History with special programming to highlight traditions in art, music, dance and literature.

FREE! *

TBA

Deaf Awareness Day 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

MD

Sign language interpreters narrate our public presentations including dolphin shows, animal feedings and dive programs.

Deaf advocacy group representatives will be available to meet with visitors and discuss their community activities. jhamilton@aqua.org for more info.

FREE! *

and Dune Restoration S 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Join the Aquarium Conservation Team as they rebuild sand dunes at NAS Oceana Dam Neck Annex on the Virigina Coast, by planting native grasses. Pre-Registration is required. Minimum age is 10 years.

VOLUNTEER!

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24

Flumpa® and Friends LIVE! 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

DC

Flumpa, “The Famous Tree Frog” and Wendy“The Singing Scientist” present a lively, interactive family adventure combining engaging music, with “fun facts” and the wonders of biological, earth and physical sciences.

FREE! *

Fresh Thoughts 6 – 9 p.m.

DC

The Fresh Thoughts Dining Series returns to Washington, DC. Chef Xavier Deshayes, executive chef at the Ronald Reagan Build-

ing creates spectacular gourmet three-course meals, featuring sustainable seafood. Enjoy a cocktail reception, a Q&A with the chef, and an after-hours stroll through the Aquarium. $79 for members, $89 for non-members. Visit nationalaquarium.org for more information.

WATERMARKS | FALL/WINTER 2 011 13

OUR ANIMALS

Calypso I am Calypso. I am a 13-year old green sea turtle, and I have been living in the National Aquarium’s Wings in the Water exhibit since 2002. Rescued off the New York coast by the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation when I was just two years old, I am now an ambassador for ocean health and threatened and endangered species, known by visitors from around the world. Calypso’s story is shared by Brent Whitaker, DVM, who leads the Aquarium’s Biological Programs team.

C

alypso’s story is one of perseverance. Found off the New York coast, cold-stunned with a severely infected left front flipper, the turtle needed expert medical attention. The flipper unfortunately had to be amputated to save Calypso’s life. At that time, it was determined the handicap prevented her from safely thriving in her natural habitat.

Calypso fully recovered from surgery and eventually learned to swim again.

The Riverhead Foundation treated Calypso for two years until she became too large to keep at its temporary care facility. The National Aquarium answered the call and obtained a special permit from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service so the Baltimore venue could provide her with a permanent home.

Calypso lives in our Wings in the Water exhibit with rays and small shark species, so she is one of the first animals our visitors see. This open exhibit can be viewed from every level as visitors make their way up through the Pier 3 building. It’s also one of the largest exhibits at the Aquarium, and an animal of Calypso’s size needs a lot of 14 WATERMARKS | FALL/WINTER 2 011

space! Her lunch is usually accompanied with a public feeding presentation that engages visitors in her care, and is frankly just delightful to watch. She eats up to eight heads of romaine lettuce a day, so there is plenty of time for the divers to talk to visitors while they feed her.

I wasn’t with the National Aquarium when Calypso first came here, but her story is one I learned quickly because we share it with visitors to illustrate the plight of turtles in today’s aquatic ecosystems and the dangers human actions can present to them.

All seven species of sea turtles, are threatened or endangered, so we try to impress upon people how important it is to protect them. Green sea turtles such as Calypso are categorized as “threatened.” Federal agencies protect their breeding grounds on Florida and Mexico coastlines, and we do our part by helping people understand them a little better and encouraging vigilance for them in open waters.

Though Calypso now swims well with only three flippers, turtles aren’t very agile animals. They are slow, and they often swim

at the water’s surface. This makes them vulnerable to fast-moving boats and floating fishing line that’s been cut and discarded into the water. Turtles also aren’t the most discerning diners. They confuse our trash with food (particularly plastic bags because they look like jellies, which are a favorite feast). They can’t digest the debris and it can kill them. Small efforts such as watching for sea life when boating, especially in shallow areas, and disposing of trash and fishing line responsibly can make a big difference to turtles and other marine life. It’s really all about being good stewards, and Calypso helps us impress that on our visitors.

Calypso has become a visitor favorite and an ambassador for her species and marine safety. Those are big messages, even for a 473-pound reptile! And since green sea turtles can live to be 80-years old, we expect that Calypso will share her story for quite some time.

How Can You Help?

Support our conservation efforts at aqua.org/donate.

OUR STAFF AND PARTNERS

Laura Bankey Laura Bankey is the National Aquarium's director of conservation. She has worked in the Aquarium’s Conservation Department for more than nine years.

Last winter, the National Aquarium partnered with the Costa Rica Tourism Board to offer visitors and online communities a unique opportunity to travel with expert guides to one of the richest ecosystems in the world. More than 10,000 people entered a sweepstakes for a chance to “GET GOING” to Costa Rica with the National Aquarium for a family eco-adventure!

Laura Bankey and the curator of mammals for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo led the winning family on a seven-day expedition, experiencing the vivid beauty of Costa Rica. Encouraging visitation to this biodiversity hotspot is a natural extension of the conservation efforts the National Aquarium has spearheaded in Costa Rica for years, and the partners are already thinking about bringing back the sweepstakes next year.

Bankey recounts her exciting trip with the Perez family.

I

welcomed the opportunity to spend a week in Costa Rica with these lucky winners. Throughout the week, I accompanied the Perez family to various parts of the country so they could learn more about the local wildlife and the National Aquarium’s conservation work in this beautiful country. The Costa Rica Tourism Board also planned some pretty amazing excursions for our group.

ible variety of plants and animals specially adapted to the high altitude and high humidity. Once we reached the peak, it was just a short hike to the active crater and it was spectacular!

Most of the week was spent at several of the stunning national parks on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Corcovado, Marino Ballenas, and Manuel Antonio National Parks were all truly amazing in their natural beauty and the abundance of wildlife they offered.

Our adventure began with a trip to the Irazu volcano. On the way to the top—more than 11,000 feet above sea level—we passed through a cloud forest, home to an incred-

We hiked through rain forests and spotted trogans, white-faced coati, two- and three-

toed sloths, howler monkeys, toucans and more. It was awesome to see how closely the National Aquarium’s Upland Tropical Rain Forest exhibit compares to the real thing!

We snorkeled and went whale watching, and even saw a female humpback and her 3-week-old calf. Female whales migrate to Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast that time of year to give birth. We watched the pair for close to an hour. The whole trip was a magical experience for all of us!

On Saturday, I left the group and visited sea turtle nesting beaches, just south of Tortuguero National Park, with our conservation partners from WIDECAST Latin America. Within the hour, we discovered that one of the leatherback sea turtle nests in the hatchery was erupting and the baby turtles were emerging. We helped gather them up for weights and measurements and released them at dusk.

Since all sea turtles are threatened or endangered, we had so much hope for these tiny turtles as we watched them enter the water. Local communities in Costa Rica are investing a lot of resources into saving these magnificent animals but their ultimate survival will depend on how we all choose to value and care for our natural world.

Like us on Facebook There will be more Sweepstakes to win!

WATERMARKS | FALL/WINTER 2 011 15

OUR PARTNERS

Chef Eric Yeager Executive Chef Eric Yeager began his culinary career in Baltimore’s Little Italy at the age of 14. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, he has more than 20 years of restaurant experience, and most recently was a Chef Instructor at Baltimore International College.

Yeager joined the National Aquarium in October 2011, shortly after the newly renovated Harbor Market Kitchen opened.

The new dining experience offers fresh, local and delicious fare that is in harmony with the National Aquarium’s green business practices and conservation education mission.

T

o a chef, words such as fresh, local and delicious are not just adjectives—they are objectives.

So, when I heard them applied to the new food choices at the new National Aquarium Harbor Market Kitchen, I knew the Aquarium’s high standards aligned with mine. I wanted to be a part of it.

When it came time to bring a new dining experience to National Aquarium visitors, the Aquarium and its food services partner, Sodexo Leisure, not only renovated the space, but turned it into an opportunity to demonstrate thoughtful choices we can all make for the planet. The concept complements the sustainable business choices the Aquarium makes throughout its business operations, and helps visitors to do the same in their daily lives. I’ve just joined the team, and I’ve been impressed with their choices.

We’ve reduced non-biodegradable waste in the dining room by using sustainably harvested bamboo plates and bowls and compostable potato-based flatware. When their meal is over, visitors recycle and compost their used materials. The trash stations present the receptacles as interactive and educational exhibits. That’s a pretty innovative way to get visitors involved in the Aquarium mission!

But a restaurant’s philosophy doesn’t matter if the food isn’t delicious! There are earth- and body-friendly food choices I’m also excited about. The Harbor Market

16 WATERMARKS | FALL/WINTER 2 011

to traditional favorites, such as sweet potato fries and all-natural hotdogs.

I’ve worked in Baltimore for more than 20 years, and I understand our city’s charming balance of a laid-back destination that features world-class food. It’s one of my favorite things about being a chef in Baltimore. The way I see it, using sustainable and local products in the Harbor Market Kitchen is a natural extension of the National Aquarium’s broader green initiatives, but more than that, it meets our visitors’ high expectations and it’s the right—not to mention delicious—thing to do.

Kitchen menu was modeled after local farmers’ markets and offers more than seasonal fruits and vegetables; it offers wholesome, farm-to-table preparations showcasing that the food is farmed, not manufactured. We have partnered with local purveyors to offer farm-fresh options that support area farms.

For example, the family-owned Arnold Farms in Chestertown, MD, delivers cauliflower, corn, cantaloupes and tomatoes for our fresh market salad station; and Toigo Orchards in Shippensburg, PA provides us with beefsteak and heirloom tomatoes, apricots, plums, raspberries and peas produced in pesticide-free greenhouses. We also offer cage-free, hormone-free chicken and grass-fed beef, and healthy alternatives

Having this opportunity to work with a team committed to green business practices and a menu of quality cuisine that is chosen with good health and earth-friendliness in mind is a professionally and personally fulfilling experience. I hope to see you in my kitchen soon!

Throw a Party!

Call 410-986-3869 to plan your event with great views, great food and live entertainment.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Harbor Market Kitchen and extension eateries throughout the National Aquarium buildings are available to all Aquarium visitors during normal business hours, as well as for catering and special events in the evenings.

OUR SUPPORTERS

Selma Carton Selma Carton is a native Balitmorean. She attended elementary school in Baltimore, graduated from Western High School, and did her undergraduate work at Goucher College. Although she went on to earn two Masters degrees and a Ph.D. at Columbia University in New York, Mrs. Carton remains devoted to Goucher College, still serving as a “Goucher Mother” to some special students. As an anthropologist, Mrs. Carton has traveled to every continent and has visited 88 countries, but continues to live in Baltimore because she says it’s her “favorite place in the world.” Mrs. Carton has set up a charitable remainder trust that supports the National Aquarium. She has been a proud National Aquarium member since 1992.

I

’ve always loved Baltimore. If I were dropped onto this planet for the first time and had my choice of all the cities in the world in which to live, I’d still choose Baltimore. We’re a small city with all the attributes of a larger city. And we are so close to all this culture, yet we have so many beautiful treasures of our own here.

That's the reason I have three charitable remainder trusts that support the underprivileged (particularly children), education and culture. The third includes the National Aquarium because it encompasses both music and visual art. I think of the Aquarium as a living museum of nature’s art. I have a lot of out-of-town guests, and whether they are from Philadelphia or Timbuktu, I always plan the National Aquarium for their first day of sightseeing.

In fact, I recently visited the Aquarium with my guests and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time.

PHOTO: JASON PUTSCHÉ

Baltimore is a well-kept secret, and I feel that if you receive all that Baltimore has to offer, it’s incumbent on you to see that future generations will have access to the same pleasures.

How Can You Help?

Consider a lifetime gift.

Visit aqua.org/donate

Holiday Wishlist Our marine mammal team will gratefully accept these contributions which will help organize the dolphin trainers’ back-up areas and equipment, while keeping working conditions comfortable.

Dehumidifier Plastic clipboards ■ Heavy duty zip ties ■ Electrical tape in different colors ■ Dry erase markers ■ Basic tool box ■

I believe that if you’re fortunate enough to be able to, you have to provide for the future of the natural world. And that includes teaching kids, but we shouldn’t look at it as “their turn” already. Our obligations to the natural world are still here. It is still our turn to make a difference.

I’ve always been taught that, if you are able, you must give back what you have received. I subscribe to the adage: “To those whom much is given, much is expected.” It is also a basic thing in some cultures and religions to give whatever you can without wanting or expecting thanks; not to receive gratitude or expecting it to be reciprocated. In such homes, children are brought up to be philanthropic. It’s a way of life that I believe in.

■

To make a tax-deductible donation, contact Suzanne Boyle at 410-576-8877 or sboyle@aqua.org.

– Tom Pfeifer

WATERMARKS | FALL/WINTER 2 011 17

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Marjorie Lynn Bank Marjorie Lynn Bank was a native Baltimorean and a naturalist who promoted aquatic conservation and shared her extensive knowledge of marine biology through her award-winning underwater photography and educational lectures.

Her legacy lives on through the National Aquarium Marjorie Lynn Bank Lecture Series, established by the Bank family upon Marjorie’s passing in 1994. Her sister, Penny Bank, shares Marjorie’s story.

M

arjorie was one of those people who made an impact.

If you met her, you never forgot it. If she was in a room, you knew it.

And if she was passionate about something, after hearing her talk about it, you were too. She was persistently passionate about protecting ocean habitats. She was on a fervent mission to inspire others to be as well. Her photography had a way of doing that because, as some referred to it, the images were “wordless poetry.”

Marjorie’s emergence as an underwater photographer began after she learned to snorkel on a vacation in the Grand Cayman Islands. After becoming a certified SCUBA diver and professional photojournalist, her assignments took her all over the world.

Some of her favorites were dives where she photographed Great White sharks from a steel cage at Australia's Great Barrier Reef

(she was one of 13 women at the time to have done so), and a trip to the Galapagos Islands where she finally got her biggest “get”—photos of the elusive whale shark.

She loved sharing stories of her trips. One of her most memorable tales involved a trip to the Red Sea, when her Israeli dive boat was shot at and passengers, including Marjorie, were held hostage for 15 hours before being released. She referred to it as “a real rush.”

Marjorie never said or did anything in an ordinary way, so when she became involved with the National Aquarium, it was a whale of an adventure. In the early 90s, she joined an Aquarium expedition as the photographer of record, and got to know the Aquarium’s volunteer dive team.

She was a good friend to the National Aquarium, and that friendship engaged our whole family. My mother, son and I are advocates for the Aquarium’s great work educating future environmental stewards, rescuing marine life and preserving aquatic habitats; and my father's company sponsored the Aquarium’s first puffin exhibit. I am still an active volunteer, and our family’s lifetime support can be seen throughout the Aquarium’s buildings and exhibits.

You might say that Marjorie brought diving topside. She was among a small population of sport divers who became chroniclers of the undersea world and teachers of marine biology. As she traveled worldwide, frequently diving and taking photographs, often lecturing, she was always teaching, always sharing knowledge and the results of her research. A particular joy for her was converting ordinary divers to environmentally

18 WATERMARKS | FALL/WINTER 2 011

aware divers. She referred to them as “born again divers,” those whose mission was to develop educational and discovery programs for other divers, school children and the general public. It was this kind of enthusiasm and innovation that had her in great demand as a lecturer, so a lecture series in her name was a natural extension of her work after her death.

These lectures invite “ people into an underwater world that few get to see...

”

The Marjorie Lynn Bank Lecture Series provides preeminent scientists, photographers, conservationists, activists and researchers a forum in which to share the same knowledge, enthusiasm and stewardship at the core of everything Marjorie did.

These lectures invite people into an underwater world that few get to see, but where Marjorie spent most of her life.

It’s a lasting tribute to her, and a way to keep alive her legacy of conservation and respect for aquatic life. We're proud to host it at the National Aquarium.

How Can You Help?

Consider a lifetime gift.

Visit aqua.org/donate Don't Miss Fall Events!

See pages 12–13 or visit aqua.org/calendar

C E L E B R AT E AQUA.ORG/CATERING

Let our experienced event professionals help you plan your holiday festivities.

Enjoy fine dining, a private tour of the Aquarium and a sense-sational theater presentation of The Polar Express TM 4-D Experience.

BALTIMORE, MD | 501 East Pratt Street • Baltimore, MD 21202 • aqua.org/catering

MEMBERSHIP

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING National Aquarium membership now gives access to venues in both Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC. Purchase your tax–deductible gift now for the special people on your list.

Visit aqua.org or call 410-727-FISH to purchase your gifts and learn more about the benefits of membership.

Allow 2–4 weeks for fulfillment

WATERMARKS | FALL/WINTER 2 011 19

All In!

Diving into the Future of the National Aquarium with CEO John Racanelli

E

arlier, I wrote about the common thread in my own story. That’s because I am a true believer that it’s important to know where you are, but even more valuable to know how you got there. The choices we make are based on our personal values and goals. The stories of members, visitors, partners, donors, volunteers, staff members and even our aquatic ambassador, Calypso, also carry common threads: they have all contributed to the National Aquarium’s mission, and their stories inspire others to become aware, to care, and to hopefully get involved in that mission. Their support built the keystone to everything the National Aquarium is today.

So does yours.

An aquarium is the most powerful platform from which to tell stories about animals and their habitats. If you come to enjoy the calming and colorful presence of sea life, and/or 20 WATERMARKS | FALL/WINTER 2 011

teach your kids about aquatic ecosystems, you may not walk in the door caring a lot about ocean acidification, climate change and/or debris that is ruining our waterways.

It’s undeniable that experiencing the joy and fascination that animals inspire, and getting the chance to learn about nature are great ways to spend a day. But the opportunity to support the care of these animals, both inside and outside the Aquarium exhibits, is a great way to spend one’s life. That’s certainly why I wanted to be a part of the National Aquarium.

Maybe while you watched the dolphin show and learned how debris in our waters affect their health and well-being of the species, you thought about your own habits and how you could make small adjustments to your lifestyle that would make big differences in the dolphins’ world. Perhaps while watching Calypso swim and dive with her three-

“

Our members are a very important part of who we are and for what the National Aquarium stands.

flippered handicap, you made a mental note to tell the boater and fishermen in your life to be more mindful of their practices. These are all great examples of how animals’ stories can influence our stories. Your Aquarium membership opens more chapters to you.

”

its ocean home. There is a lot going on in our world! And you are among the first to hear about it all through this magazine and the member e-newsletter.

Our members are a very important part of who we are and for what the National Aquarium stands. The direction we take as we embark on our next 30 years and beyond will be significantly influenced by all of our stakeholders and the stories they share about what is valuable, enjoyable and effectual about their engagement with us. Your membership entitles you to a loud voice in that conversation, so I encourage you to share it with us through the many outlets your membership provides.

If you purchased a membership as an added value to your Aquarium visit, you’re probably enjoying the exclusive, crowd-free visits on members’ nights and the member discounts in our cafės and retail shops. But you’ve taken the time and made the investment to have a deeper level of engagement with us, so why not take advantage of the benefits membership offers you to learn more about what we do on behalf of these animals and their habitats? Take us up on the special member prices to experience our behind-the-scenes world with an immersion tour or special event, or join us on a beach as we release a rehabilitated animal back to

I’m Italian, and Italians believe strongly in the power of family. Having faith in your family is largely based on its ability to work as a single unit toward common goals

that are founded upon shared values. I see the Aquarium community as a family. As members, you are an essential contributor to the achievement of our goals and you are supporting our mission with your involvement. This makes you a part of the National Aquarium family.

Every one of the people in this magazine, and thousands of others, are working every day toward the same goals to uphold a standard of excellence in our animal care, educate tomorrow’s environmental stewards about our ecosystems, and delight our visitors; and all of these measures are part of a shared mission to conserve our world’s aquatic treasures. They are writing their chapters. Whether you joined us within the last year, or have supported us for 30 years, you are also a part of our family’s story.

So, I leave you with this question to think about: What part of our story are you?

WATERMARKS | FALL/WINTER 2 011 21

ROCK YOUR SUPPORT!

501 East Pratt Street

| Baltimore Maryland 21202

Return Service Required

Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Baltimore, MD Permit No. 7625

Get your limited-edition collectible pins featuring National Aquarium animals. $2 from each sale helps the National Aquarium's Marine Animal Rescue team.

Get Yours Today!

Available for purchase while supplies last, only at the Hard Rock Café in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Deepen Your Involvement!

The National Aquarium wants everyone it comes in contact with to be inspired to conserve our world's aquatic treasures.

We are on a mission, and we could use your support!

With your gift of $50, $100, or $500, you can help: INSPIRE CHILDREN

RESTORE THE CHESAPEAKE BAY

SAVE SEA TURTLES

Our outreach education team takes live animals to students who might otherwise not have the opportunity to see and touch nature. These moments engage them in the natural world.

For more than a decade, our conservation team has rebuilt the Chesapeake Bay’s fragile shorelines and wetlands.

These nurseries for native species are vital to filtering toxins from the water.

There are seven species of sea turtles and all are threatened or endangered.

Our animal rescue team rehabilitates injured sea turtles, giving this species a fighting chance for survival.