45 Years of Memories

The National Aquarium is full of immersive habitats and awe-inspiring wildlife but, throughout our 45-year history, what it's really always been about is you. From field trips to first dates, the National Aquarium has been the backdrop for so many memories. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their stories and photos with us in honor of our 45th birthday. Here are just a few of our favorites.

1970s, 1980s and 1990s

The seed for what would grow into the National Aquarium was planted in the 1970s. When it opened in 1981, the Aquarium became the crown jewel of the Inner Harbor.

Ann Gorton, Pikesville, Maryland

"It was 1982 and the aquarium was new. I was walking around the shark exhibit with my parents and a friend. A photographer for National Geographic Kids was taking pictures and asked to take ours. We had a full photo shoot, and our picture was in the magazine."

Lloyd Gemmell, Sykesville, Maryland

"I was fortunate to be the surveyor for the building of the original National Aquarium in Baltimore. There were a lot of dedicated workers from all trades that constructed this one-of-a-kind building. If you look at it from the aerial photo, you can see the building is shaped like a fish."

Kelley Cook, Martinsburg, West Virginia

"I was diagnosed with permanent hearing loss at the age of 3, leading to frequent trips to Baltimore for evaluations at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland hospitals. Although the appointments were often long and overwhelming, I always looked forward to one special tradition afterward: visiting the National Aquarium. Exploring the colorful marine life turned difficult days into exciting memories and gave me something positive to focus on."

Derek Meluzio, York, Pennsylvania

"As a kid growing up in the 1980s who loved sharks, it was a real treat to go to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. I went with my parents for the first time in 1984. I remember Shark Alley being my favorite. I returned multiple times after that, including in college with my girlfriend, who's now my wife, and now with my kids."

2000s to Today

The Aquarium continued to grow and change through the early 2000s, and it continues to grow and change today.

Liz S., Middletown, Virginia

"One of my fondest and earliest memories as a child is when my grandparents took my sister and me to the National Aquarium. While I look back and remember how amazed I was at the wonderful sea creatures, I most fondly cherish the time I spent making exciting new memories with my grandparents and sister. I kept the stuffed seahorse for as long as I can remember, and I look forward to taking my son to the Aquarium to make his own memories, and possibly to get his own stuffed seahorse."

Madison Marsteller, Delta, Pennsylvania

"This is my dad, Chip. We would take trips to Inner Harbor and visit the National Aquarium for my birthday pretty often. We loved the sharks! He asked me to take his picture next to the big fish and I'm very glad I did; I treasure the pictures we have. When I was 19, he passed away. Our whole family misses him very much, but we will always have our great memories from the National Aquarium!"

Takreem Zulfiqar, Glen Burnie, Maryland

"The National Aquarium means a lot to me. When I was 4, my family immigrated to the U.S. and one of the first memories I have in America is going there on a kindergarten field trip. I was in such awe of something so magical, I couldn't stop talking about it when I got home. Fast forward to my senior year of high school, my school hosted their prom there. Later as an adult, I brought my nephews for a visit. Seeing their amazement reminded me again of the wonder the Aquarium brings."

Gretchen Buchen, Silver Spring, Maryland

"One of my favorite memories was the time my daughter and I spent the night at the Aquarium in 2015. It was a magical evening. We had a great behind-the-scenes tour and slept down by the dolphin underwater viewing area. The following morning, the other guests had left the area. Grace went up to the glass and put up her hand, and the dolphin came over and 'touched' her hand."

Then and Now

As much as the Aquarium changes and evolves from year to year and decade to decade, it also stays the same.

Charles Stephen Laubhouet, Gaithersburg, Maryland

"I remember like it was yesterday taking my son for the first time to the National Aquarium on his second birthday. His love for sharks, turtles and frogs grew once he landed his cute, big eyes on them. He is now an avid fan of insects and a true friend to frogs. He says he wants to become an entomologist. We went back to the Aquarium in 2025, and a lot of emotions and great memories came rushing back for both of us. This place is not just an aquarium; it is where dreams are created and memories made."

Kayla Young, Pitman, New Jersey

"On Christmas 2017, my now-husband and I were gifted tickets to the Aquarium and a behind-the-scenes shark tour. While we were there on December 28, he proposed to me right in front of Blacktip Reef and Calypso! Years later, we brought our three-year-old daughter and took a photo in the exact spot."

Meg Zerhusen, Lutherville, Maryland

"We have been National Aquarium members since the beginning. My dad, Frank Gunther, is the former chairman of the Board. He is featured in the blue striped bathing suit in the mural by the escalators, with Mayor Schaefer and the mermaid! We have loved and continue to love bringing our four children and now our nine grandchildren to visit and sharing our Aquarium legacy with them."

Employees and Volunteers

The Aquarium's employees and volunteers have always played an outsized role in making the Aquarium the magical, educational place that it is. Many grew up visiting, too!

President and CEO Jennifer Driban, Baltimore, Maryland

"While I'm new to this role, I'm not new to the Aquarium. Like so many Marylanders, I have core memories at the National Aquarium—from field trips in elementary school and visits with my family, to introducing my own children to the wonders below the surface and in the tree canopy. For the past decade, I've been honored to work with the Aquarium's incredible staff and volunteers to delight guests and advance our conservation mission. Just over my desk is a photo of one of my early visits with my grandparents as a reminder of the sense of wonder the Aquarium inspires, whether you're 5 or 95."

Board Member Jayson Williams, Baltimore, Maryland

"In the early 1980s, my parents, John Williams and Vernita Humphreys, loved to take me to the Inner Harbor on Sundays after church. We'd walk around the harbor, and we'd sometimes go to the Aquarium. I was so young that I don't remember those early visits, but we continued to come as I grew up, and I can easily recall those trips. I have a learning disability and was afraid to read in front of people. Because of my love of animals and nature, my dad would take me to the Aquarium, and I would read all the signs out loud, which really helped me gain confidence and overcome that fear."

John Westgate, St. Augustine, Florida

"This photo is of our son Zack, who has loved marine life and aquariums since he was, well, this age. You'll recognize the background as the National Aquarium. If you are around the Aquarium today, you can also see Zack happily working at the perfect place for him as a guest engagement interpreter. You can find him at the touchpools in Living Seashore, giving tours and talks, staffing carts and labs, or out on Harbor Wetland."

Events and Research Manager Kristin Vitale, Middle River, Maryland

"Growing up in the 80s and 90s, the era of rainbows, glitter and dolphins, I responded 'dolphin trainer' when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. Cue the dolphin-themed comforter, binders, shirts, you name it for the better part of my adolescence. Although we lived out of state, my parents surprised me with a National Aquarium trip shortly after Pier 4 was built. This further solidified my love for aquatic creatures even though I pursued a business degree when I grew up. Everything came full circle when I accepted a position at the Aquarium after moving to Maryland."

Thank You!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to submit their stories and photos. We hope to see you at the Aquarium making new memories soon!