The Whale Museum

The Whale Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Friday Harbor, Washington. Established with the mission to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research, it is particularly noted for being the first U.S. museum dedicated to a species living in the wild.

History

The Whale Museum opened its doors to the public in July 1979. It was founded under the leadership of Ken Balcomb and Mark Anderson, who spearheaded the efforts with a group of enthusiastic volunteers. Initially, the museum focused on displaying whale skeletons and operating a whale hotline. Over the years, it has expanded its operations to include significant projects such as the Soundwatch Boater Education Program, launched in 1993, which aims to monitor and improve whale watching practices in the area.

In 1989, the museum purchased the Odd Fellows Hall, an historic building constructed in 1892, allowing it to double its exhibit space. This expansion facilitated the introduction of traveling exhibits and Pod Nods, supervised educational sleepovers for children.

Programs and Activities

The Whale Museum engages in a variety of initiatives:

• Research Station at Lime Kiln Lighthouse: Offers opportunities for scientific study and observations of marine mammals.
• SeaSound Underwater Listening: A program that streams live underwater sounds to study whale vocalizations and behaviors.
• San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network: Activated in response to marine mammal strandings, providing rescue and conservation support.
• Marine Naturalist Training: An intensive course educating participants about marine ecosystems through lectures and field trips.
• Orca Adoption Program: Allows individuals to support the conservation of the Southern Resident Orcas.

Vision and Mission

The Whale Museum's vision is for the Salish Sea to be a healthy and diverse ecosystem supporting whales and other marine species. Its mission is to promote stewardship through education and research, focusing particularly on the endangered Southern Resident Community of Orcas.

Leadership and Operations

As a non-profit organization, The Whale Museum is led by a board of directors and operates with a mix of full-time staff and volunteers. The museum is managed within a structure that includes executive leadership and specialized departments for research and education.

Impact and Recognition

The Whale Museum has gained national recognition for its conservation efforts, including the rescue of marine mammals trapped by a glacier in Southeast Alaska in 1986. It continues to be a pivotal force in marine conservation and education in the Pacific Northwest.