Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Blvd.
Mystic, CT 06355-1997
October 1973: The Aquarium opened and was first operated by a privately owned, for-profit corporation known as Mystic Aquarium, Inc. The principal shareholder was an Ohio industrialist and philanthropist named Kelvin Smith. Mr. Smith was a practicing chemist with an interest in marine biology. In the 1950’s Smith (while on the Board of Trustees at the Cleveland Science Museum) began working with fellow chemist and Board member, William Kelley. Together Smith and Kelley developed “Instant Ocean,” a product that allowed labs and aquariums to create artificial seawater. This product is used at MAIFE and other institutions worldwide. In the 1970’s, Mystic Aquarium, Inc. provided a venue to highlight this product.
1977: September Mr. Smith established the Sea Research Foundation, Inc. as a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Ohio, dedicated to aquatic education and research. The first assets of Sea Research Foundation, Inc. also included the building and grounds of the Aquarium of Niagara Falls, New York.
1979: April 30th Mystic Aquarium, Inc. was dissolved, and its entire $2.6 million outstanding debt was assumed by Kelvin Smith, who previously had acquired the equity interests of the then remaining shareholders. The building, grounds, and other assets were contributed to the foundation on May 1, 1979.
1997: July 1st Dr. Robert Ballard and the Institute for Exploration joined the Mystic Aquarium. Dr Ballard brought his desire to share with the world the wonders of the deep ocean and the emerging science of deep-water archaeology. The Mystic Marine life Aquarium became the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration.
1998: May 1st Sea Research Foundation, Inc. (SRF) an Ohio non-profit organization, merged into a Connecticut non-stock charitable corporation. The Foundation continues to operate as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
Today The SRF is an active member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and The International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM). In addition, the Aquarium’s professional staff is affiliated with several industry organizations.
Contact Information
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Blvd.
Mystic, CT 06355-1997
Phone: 860.572.5955
Fax: 860.572.5969
Email: info@mysticaquarium.org
© 2008, Sea Research Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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