NOAA and the Preserve America Initiative: Heritage Week

Come visit the headquarters of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Silver Spring, Maryland, for a free look at the federal agency charged with understanding and predicting changes in the Earth’s environment, and managing America’s ocean resources.

Our “time machine” in the NOAA Science Center will take you on a fun- and fact-filled journey through 200 years of federal science, service and stewardship—from 1807 to the present. We’ll take you back to the early days of U.S. coastal and ocean exploration and weather forecasting. Then, we will propel you forward to the NOAA of today!

You will SEE

early scientific instruments, maps and charts
a real weather balloon and undersea lab
an original engraving by James Whistler, who worked for the U.S. Coast Survey before he painted “Whistler’s Mother.”

You will be INSPIRED by the stories of people who have served with NOAA and its predecessor agencies, including:

African-American innovator George Washington Carver (1864-1943), who provided weather data to the U.S. Weather Bureau, and
Rachel Carson (1907-1964), noted environmental author who began her career as a writer and scientist with the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries

You will be IMMERSED in the many environments in which NOAA operates—from sea to space!

You will be CAPTIVATED by great guest lectures in our auditorium, including:

The Coast and Geodetic Survey: Scientists, Sailors, Surveyors, Chartmakers - Albert E. Theberge, Jr., NOAA Central Library - Tuesday, February 6 at noon
Shipwrecks of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument – Hans Van Tilburg, Ph.D., NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program - Thursday, February 8 at noon
New England’s First Fisheries Crisis: Economy, Ecology and Fishery Politics on the Southern Coast, 1830-1870 - Matthew McKenzie, Ph.D., University of Connecticut, Avery Point - Monday, February 12 at noon

Bonus! Experts from the Washington Conservation Guild will be on hand Feb. 6-14 to provide free advice about how to care for your personal treasures!

Treasures of NOAA's Ark: Journey Through Time
NOAA Science Center and Auditorium
1301 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Md.
February 5-14, 2007
Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Special weekend hours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (February 10 and 11)

For more information, call (301) 713-3066, ext. 191

Treasures of NOAA’s Ark: Journey Through Time is a NOAA Heritage Week event.