Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center

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The Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is an 842-square-mile underwater reserve off Race Point and one of 14 sites in the National Marine Sanctuary System. Gerry E. Studds was an American Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts who served from 1973 until 1997 and was the first openly gay member of Congress. 

Provincetown hosts a kiosk located along MacMillan Wharf, near the departure point for whale watching vessels, providing general information about the sanctuary and its resources. In 2017 a feasibility study was conducted and determined that Provincetown is an ideal place for a new visitor center. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center Proposed in Provincetown

In 2020 the Stellwagen Visitor Center Community Advisory Committee began working with Oudens Ello Architecture to develop a conceptual design for a proposed Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center in Provincetown. The Center will feature interactive exhibits describing the Sanctuary’s wildlife, environmental resources, human uses and challenges, and will provide additional meeting space for community events. 

Stellwagen National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center Design Team Needs Your Input Extended-study-area-11121-scaled

An area off Ryder Street Extension, adjacent to MacMillan Pier and within the Municipal Parking Lot (MPL), was selected for siting the new Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Visitors Center. It is anticipated to make improvements to the adjacent transportation area, public restrooms, and create new outdoor public spaces and exhibits. In the coming months, the community will have a number of opportunities to provide input on the uses and design of the visitor center.

An event was held October 28, 2020 on site to present programming and design concepts. The architects, along with representatives from SBNMS and the Town, displayed design boards and other materials during the event. PTV has recorded a public service announcement. A Zoom webinar was conducted on January 13, 2021 in which members of the public enjoyed a presentation and opportunity to ask the architects questions about the project. Two final concepts were presented to the Select Board at its March 8, 2021 public meeting. The "Wharf Concept" location in the MPL was selected for further development.

Center for Coastal Studies is a project partner and has more information on their website.