Step back in time and glimpse the future...
A NOAA Heritage Week Event
NOAA: Centuries of Science — A Pop-Up Experience!
Free and open to the public
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
During this free event, you are invited to:
- Explore the Treasures of NOAA's Ark exhibit (pre-registration required) — showcasing artifacts that tell the story of how people and technology have shaped NOAA and its predecessor agencies over more than 200 years
- Learn about “Brass Brains” (pre-registration required)— a mechanical computer that was used to calculate tides from the early 1900s until the 1960s
- View artifacts recovered from the wreck of the USS Monitor (pre-registration required) — the famed Civil War ironclad ship, now residing in and protected by one of NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries
- Experience Science on a Sphere — an immersive, room-sized globe that transforms complex planetary data into stunning visual journeys for audiences of all ages
- Visit Gateway to NOAA — a free permanent exhibit highlighting how NOAA takes the pulse of the planet every day and protects and manages ocean and coastal resource
- ...and more!
See more of what's in store...
Science Center & Auditorium (Free. Required Pre-Registration Has Ended.)
Treasures of NOAA’s Ark Exhibit
NOAA’s roots date back to 1807 when President Thomas Jefferson established the nation's first scientific agency, the Survey of the Coast. Today, NOAA enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep the public informed of the changing environment around them. The Treasures of NOAA’s Ark exhibit showcases artifacts that tell the story of how people and technology have shaped NOAA and its predecessor agencies over more than 200 years.
Brass Brains
Before electronic computers, the calculation of tide predictions was made by a mechanical machine made of steel and brass, known as “Brass Brains.” This machine was used to calculate tides from the early 1900s until the 1960s! Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the machine and see a demonstration of how it works.
Hydrolab
See NOAA’s first undersea research habitat where aquanauts could live on the ocean floor for days or weeks at a time. It was used by NOAA and its undersea research partners from 1970 to 1985, in which time it housed over 700 scientists on more than 85 missions!
Ship’s Steam Whistle
See a 6-foot-tall brass steam whistle from the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Ship Surveyor, which was built in 1917 and in service from 1919 to 1956. The ship also served in the U.S. Navy and saw action during World War II.
Nautical Chart Printing Press
Before we had smart phones and GPS, we used paper maps. Ships’ navigators and surveyors used paper maps, too. These nautical charts depicted the shoreline and seafloor, providing water depths, locations of dangers to navigation, and other features that mariners needed to know about in order to stay safe. See a copper plate printing press that was in operation from 1851 through 1976.
Ironclad Legacy: USS Monitor in the 21st Century
Check out artifacts recovered from the wreck of the famed Civil War ironclad ship USS Monitor, take part in an educational hands-on activity, and hear from experts with Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and The Mariners’ Museum about their latest efforts to study the wreck using advanced 3D scanning techniques.
Ocean Exploration Command Center
Visit NOAA's Ocean Exploration Command Center where you’ll see amazing video from recent ocean exploration missions in distant and remote parts of the world.
“Get to Know NOAA” Information Fair - Learn about NOAA’s mission to better understand our natural world, manage and conserve America’s coastal and marine resources, and provide the public the reliable information they need, when they need it.
NOAA Auditorium
Please join us in the NOAA Auditorium for a series of video presentations about how NOAA works every day to enrich life through science, service, and stewardship.
Other Activities on the NOAA Campus (Free. No Pre-Registration Required.)
Gateway to NOAA Exhibit
1325 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
This free permanent exhibit, normally open 9am-5pm on weekdays, highlights how NOAA takes the pulse of the planet every day and protects and manages ocean and coastal resources. Gateway to NOAA will be open to the public on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Science on a Sphere
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Experience the wonder of Earth science come to life on Science On a Sphere, an immersive, room-sized globe that transforms complex planetary data into stunning visual journeys for audiences of all ages. Join us for special open hours on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Registration
Pre-registration required for all activities in the NOAA Science Center and Auditorium.
Pre-registration has ended. If you are already pre-registered, please remember to bring one of the forms of identification below.
Adults must present a Real ID driver’s license, U.S. passport, Federal Government/Military-issued ID, or Permanent Resident Card/Green Card for access to the NOAA Science Center and Auditorium, a federal facility. Non-U.S. citizens must present an official passport from their country of origin.
Security
For your safety, the following items are prohibited at NOAA facilities: weapons, explosives, incendiary devices, dangerous instruments, alcohol, illegal drugs, and pets (except guide dogs). Additional security information may be found in the Federal Rules and Regulations for Conduct on Federal Property. All bags, purses, backpacks, etc., will be screened, and guests will be required to step through a metal detector. Bag storage is not available.
Know Before You Go
Transportation
Situated on East-West Highway near Colesville Road, the Silver Spring, Maryland, NOAA headquarters is conveniently reachable via numerous transit paths and provides both on-site and local parking facilities.
Metro and Transit Options
Metro Station – The facility is just a brief stroll from the Silver Spring Station on the Red Line. Travelers arriving from Washington, D.C., should use the rear train exit, head toward the transit plaza, and proceed south toward the main campus.
Bus and Rail Hub – The station links to the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center, providing access to regional Metrobus routes, MARC rail services, and Montgomery County Ride On buses.
Parking Options
On-Site Garage (Garage 58) – Public parking is available beneath the complex at 1315 East-West Highway. Pay to park via kiosks located on each level or via app.
Food
Food will not be available at these events. However, there are a number of dining options nearby.