The Virginia Institute of Marine Science celebrated its annual open house on Saturday at the school’s Gloucester Point campus despite a taste of the inclement weather that has plagued the mid-Atlantic for much of May.

“The adventurous souls who braved the showers were rewarded with a fun and educational experience,” said Susan Maples, VIMS director of outreach. “I overheard visitors throughout the day commenting ‘wow’ and ‘that’s incredible’ to one another as they exited an exhibit or tour. That, along with the surprised expressions on the faces of those learning something new about the world we live in, lets me know the event was a success.”

“We offer outreach programs all year long, but Marine Science Day is unique in that it offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at a wide range of the research, education, and advisory service activities currently underway at VIMS,” added John Wells, dean and director of VIM...