This program concerns North Carolina ocean animal rescue efforts including the Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. The program will also include a discussion of the largest marine mammal hospital in the world in California that has rescued over 25,000 sea lions and seals. All of these rescue efforts have a similar purpose: rescue, rehabilitation, and release. The program will detail why an animal needs to be rescued, how it is rescued, and what determines if and when the animal is released. The program will have a brief discussion of how the health of ocean animals is connected to the health of the ocean. The program will include an art activity for children.
Learn more about the Museum’s exhibits in a rousing game of bingo! Bingo cards feature pictures of different exhibits in the Museum and offer the opportunity to win fun prizes. Great for kids and adults alike.
Dinosaurs of Antarctica tells the story of a changing environment at the bottom of the world. In ancient times, dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures roamed freely in a lush landscape. Over millions of years, geologic forces caused massive changes, completely altering the terrain. Today, the continent of Antarctica holds the evidence of that ancient world, frozen beneath its ice and snow. As the climate changes again, melting Antarctic ice is allowing scientists to discover the remains of the past—including the fossils of those distinctive dinosaurs like Cryolophosaurus and Glacialisaurus.
Explore some of the strange creatures that lived on Earth before the dinosaurs. Strap on a virtual reality headset and become immersed in this unique environment.
Sea turtles are frequent visitors to the North Carolina coast, with several individuals nesting on beaches from the Outer Banks to our own Ocean Isle Beach. Learn about the life cycle and different species of sea turtles, how volunteers track sea turtle nests, and what we can do to protect sea turtles in this fun, interactive program. The program will include a craft for kids to complete and the reading of a fun children’s story.
Back by popular demand! As a child, Julie Hedgepeth Williams heard first-hand stories from her great-uncle Albert Caldwell about his voyage aboard the ill-fated Titanic. Caldwell, his wife, and his infant son were one of the few families to survive the disaster intact. Dressed in period costume, Williams performs a one-woman show as Caldwell’s wife, Sylvia, telling the Titanic story from her point of view. Williams’ book, A Rare Titanic Family, won the 2014 Ella Dickey Literacy Award, given to authors whose work helps preserve history.
Watch museum docents feed the live animals in the museum’s Touch Tank.
Explore some of the strange creatures that lived on Earth before the dinosaurs. Strap on a virtual reality headset and become immersed in this unique environment.
If they’re not off fighting a fire, and if the weather cooperates, members of the Ocean Isle Beach Fire & Rescue will bring some of their expertise and lifesaving equipment to the museum’s parking lot. This is always a favorite with the kids, who get to climb on a real fire engine, ask questions, and engage in some fun interactive experiences.
This is a fun and educational program for all children. Kids can test their ocean IQ and learn about the marine animals that live in the ocean. Safety while at the beach or near or in the water will also be discussed — for example, the seven safety rules, such as what to do when swimming alone, how to help someone in the water, etc. Children will safely assist in teaching the program and will receive a sea bottle craft to take home.