MBL Celebrates the Reopening of Newly Renovated Pierce Exhibit Center

For Immediate Release: July 5, 2012 Contact: Andrea Early, Marine Biological Laboratory, (508) 289-7652, aearly@mbl.edu

MBL, WOODS HOLE, MA — Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) celebrated the reopening of its Pierce Exhibit Center and Gift Shop on July 4th during the MBL’s annual July 4th parade. The newly renovated exhibit center, located at 100 Water St., Woods Hole, tells the story of the MBL and its impact on life sciences. It is designed for all ages and is free and open to the public.

The refurbished center offers a colorful and informative visitor experience featuring live animal tanks filled with creatures that are helping MBL scientists understand human health and disease, stunning underwater video footage, an interactive laboratory with a hands-on microscope, and a larger-than-life squid model that demonstrates why squid nerves are so useful for understanding the human nervous system.

The MBL Gift Shop located inside the exhibit center offers a wide variety of unique MBL related gifts including toys, games, books for children and adults, jewelry, souvenirs, and clothing for all ages.

The Pierce Exhibit Center is dedicated to the memory of Robert W. Pierce, an MBL trustee from 1990 to 1993 and a respected member of the Woods Hole community.  Born in Boston and raised in Milton, Mr. Pierce was a lieutenant with the Coast Guard and later founded Pierce Aluminum Company, a wholesale distributor of aluminum products based in Canton, Massachusetts.

Beyond his naval accomplishments and business acumen, Mr. Pierce was an insightful leader, someone who embodied excellence in judgment, respect for individual differences, and a determination to succeed.  He introduced the MBL to his wide circle of friends, so it is fitting that this exhibit center—the place where many people form their first impression of the institution—is dedicated to him.

The MBL extends special thanks to Jean “JeJe” Pierce, a former MBL trustee and Robert’s wife, for her continued support of the MBL and its public outreach efforts.

The MBL Exhibit Center and Gift Shop hours for July and August are 10 AM-4:30 PM, Monday through Saturday.

—###—

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery and improving the human condition through research and education in biology, biomedicine, and environmental science.  Founded in 1888 in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, the MBL is an independent, nonprofit corporation.