New England Aquarium News and Updates: April 2009

Your Vote Counts!
Help the Aquarium win a $100,000 grant.
The Aquarium is part of this year's "Partners in Preservation" grant contest. In partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, American Express has identified historic places throughout the metro--Boston area that reflect the region's rich and diverse cultural heritage, and we're in the top 25! If the Aquarium gets the most votes, we will get a $100,000 grant to restore the building's interior concrete to its original finish.

The contest runs until May 17, and you can vote every day. Please register and vote today--with just a few seconds of effort, you can have a big impact on the Aquarium's future!

Learn more about the Aquarium's Partners in Preservation effort.

Register and vote on the Partners in Preservation page.

April School Vacation

This April school vacation week, create memories that will last a lifetime. Use your Turtle Passport to follow the turtle trail through the Aquarium to see some of the world's most endangered turtles. Make sure you visit the patients recuperating in our newly renovated turtle hospital! While you're here, upgrade to an IMAX combo ticket for only $5 and check out our awe-inspiring IMAX films Under the Sea 3D or Van Gogh: Brush with Genius.

To maximize visitors' enjoyment time, the Aquarium is offering special extended hours and will be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day from Saturday, April 18, to Sunday, April 26. Since we are a popular destination for families, we encourage guests who want a quieter experience to visit in the morning before 11 a.m. or in the afternoon after 3 p.m. If you do encounter a line, though, don't worry! Our Educators will keep everyone entertained, and a tent will keep you dry in case of April showers.

To enjoy free, express admission to the Aquarium,become a member before your visit or upon your arrival. Members receive a number of great benefits, including discounts on all Aquarium programs, free IMAX passes, invitations to special events and much more!

Plan your visit and buy your tickets online.

As summer approaches, we know it's important to start thinking about how to protect ourselves from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Perhaps lobsters should, too!

Become a member today.

Let's Go to the Movies

For the action aficionado: The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience. Batman sets out to dismantle the criminal organizations that plague the streets, but he finds himself prey to the reign of chaos unleashed by the Joker. Special footage filmed with IMAX technology. Plays Fridays at 8:10 p.m.Join us for a gourmet evening of sustainable seafood. Each dinner features a delicious three-course meal paired with wine and fun and informative cooking demonstrations by Aquarium and special guest chefs. The event takes place in the Aquarium's Harbor View Cafe. Cost is $65 for members, $75 for non-members.

Baking soda makes an effective air freshener or refrigerator deodorizer. Add a half-cup to your washing machine to eliminate odors on clothing, or sprinkle it on your carpet as a deodorizer. Research has shown that UV rays can damage crustaceans' DNA and decrease their life spans. Experiments conducted at the Aquarium's lobster research facility have shown that lobsters will darken their shells when exposed to UV light, and that lobsters with little exposure to UV light have lighter shells. (It looks like lobsters can also get a tan!) Without exposure to UV light, lobsters are better able to blend into their environments by making slight color changes. Therefore, UV light is a greater factor in determining lobster color than the need to camouflage. Create an all-purpose spray cleaner by mixing one-part vinegar with four-parts water and a splash of lemon juice in a plastic spray bottle. This mixture works on kitchen counters, sinks, windows, spills on stoves and much more. For stubborn stains, allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping it up.Super-size your next date, family-bonding event or night out with friends by watching a film at the Simons IMAX Theatre on the largest screen in New England! Our current evening films offer entertainment for every type of viewer, and members save $2 on adult and child IMAX film ticket.

For the art critic: Van Gogh: Brush with Genius. Relive Van Gogh's life and watch the fantastic colors and brushwork of his masterpieces spring to life before your eyes with this unique visual experience that opens up a world of unexpected, intense emotions on the giant screen. Plays every night at 7 p.m.

For the rock-and-roller: U23D. Better than the front row, even better than backstage, this incredible film puts you onstage with Bono and the rest of the band during U2's Vertigo tour. Plays Saturdays at 8:10 p.m

Don't forget to take your Simons IMAX Theatre ticket stubs to nearby Sel de la Terre to receive 15% off your meal.

Reserve Your Spot!

Celebrate Seafood Dinner Series

Upcoming dinners:

April 21 (sold out!) , with Guest Chef BJ Salazar of Sel De La Terre, highlighting Taylor Bay scallops and barramundi

June 23, with Special Guest Dan Enos of the Oceanaire Restaurant, highlighting crayfish, mahi mahi and golden tilefish

Spring Into Blue Cleaning

As you prepare for spring cleaning, a void harsh chemicals and toxic irritants in your cleaning supplies. Instead, make eco-friendly cleaners using supplies you already have in your pantry.

Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant, an antiseptic and a natural, non-chlorine bleach. Spot-treat your clothes with hydrogen peroxide to remove stains, or add as much as a cup to your laundry to naturally brighten whites.

Spotlight on Research

By Amanda Thompson and Anita Metzler

As summer approaches, we know it's important to start thinking about how to protect ourselves from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Perhaps lobsters should, too!

Research has shown that UV rays can damage crustaceans' DNA and decrease their life spans. Experiments conducted at the Aquarium's lobster research facility have shown that lobsters will darken their shells when exposed to UV light, and that lobsters with little exposure to UV light have lighter shells. (It looks like lobsters can also get a tan!) Without exposure to UV light, lobsters are better able to blend into their environments by making slight color changes. Therefore, UV light is a greater factor in determining lobster color than the need to camouflage.

Aquarium homepage

Buy tickets online

Take a Moment

Please consider making a charitable contribution to the New England Aquarium. We rely on our generous donors to contribute more than 30% of our operating budget. These funds support the educational, conservation and research programs that make the New England Aquarium a leader both locally and globally. We need your support now more than ever. Gifts of any size make a difference!

Please make a donation online today!

Now Playing at the

Simons IMAX Theatre

New! Under the Sea

Wild Ocean 3D

Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean

Van Gogh: Brush with Genius

The Dark Knight

U2 3D

Earth Day Beach Clean-up

April 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Constitution Beach, East Boston

Celebrate Earth Day with the Aquarium and teach your family about the importance of protecting the planet--plus, enjoy a fun, active day on the beach! We will explore the sandy habitat of Constitution Beach and work together to clear it of garbage and debris. The Aquarium will provide bags and gloves, and we will all brainstorm future ways to keep our planet clean. There is no fee for this event, but registration is required. Earth cupped in human hands Please call 617-973-5206.