NEWPORT – The Treasures of NOAA’s Ark, an exhibit of historic artifacts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its predecessor agencies, is on display at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center through January 2, 2012.

Featuring 19th century maps and charts, early scientific instruments and text about the history and science behind the nation’s ocean charting and exploration efforts, the exhibit got a sneak preview at the recent grand opening of NOAA’s new Marine Operations Center here, and then moved across the street to the HMSC Visitor Center.

The history of NOAA and the nation are intertwined. It is difficult to talk about weather, water, climate, and commerce without discussing the agency and its ancestors: the U.S. Coast Survey, the U.S. Weather Bureau, and the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries.

NOAA has custody of a wealth of resources that recall the agency’s history and service to the nation: Maps, nautical charts, photographs, books, scientific instruments and other artifacts. In 2005, many of the items were assembled in an exhibit at NOAA headquarters in Silver Spring, MD as part of the  agency’s 100th anniversary celebration. Since then, they have been on tour at science museums across the US.

They can be viewed at the HMSC Visitor Center from 10 am – 4 pm Thursdays through Mondays. The Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Take a virtual tour of NOAA’s Ark