About CIC

Shaped by Land and Time

What begin as a small museum in 1977 has since expanded into a vibrant community organization. Our mission is to educate the community about the natural and cultural resources of Washington’s Pacific Coast and inspire the joy and wonder of nature.

Trusted Community Partner

As a non-partisan, non-advocacy community organization, the CIC serves as a trusted partner and honest broker between government agencies and individuals and community groups. We are dedicated to serving all the residents and visitors of Grays Harbor County, Washington.

Our Mission

To educate the public about the natural and cultural history of Washington’s Pacific Coast and inspire the joy and wonder of nature.

A bird with a long beak standing on a beach.

Our vision

The Coastal Interpretive Center will be a world-class interpretive center with high-quality programs, exhibits, and facilities where both the general public and the scientific community will feel equally engaged and empowered.

Charting Changing Tides

Trace the evolution of Coastal Interpretive Center. This timeline highlights commitment to education, stewardship and community ties across decades..

1977

Launch

The Coastal Interpretive Center began as a Washington Sea Grant program called Ocean Adventures.

1984

New Tides Turn

Washington State Parks and state federal agencies took over Ocean Adventures. It reopened as Ocean Shores Environmental Interpretive Center.

1997

Foundation Built

The Coastal Interpretive Center is established, setting the stage for coastal education and preservation.

1999

Community Waves

Ocean Shores Interpretive Center Association created. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported city operations and launched Damon’s Outpost bookstore.

2012

Broadening Channels

Ocean Shores Interpretive Center Association assumed governance and operations and renaming it to “Coastal Interpretive Center”. Improvements included facility upgrades, program extensions and stewardship of the 121-acre Weatherwax property and trail system.

Rooted in Land and Learning

CIC's mission stands on core beliefs. These principles guide every action, shaping our region's future.

Enthusiasm

We show an interest in others, an interest in things outside ourselves, and are motivated to help others.

Willingness to try, and then try again differently

We are persistent and we adapt to meet the evolving needs of our community.

A drawing of a lighthouse on a pink background.

Situational Humility

We know what we know, know what we don’t know, and are always curious to learn more; We trust our community and assume best intentions.

A drawing of a boat in the middle of a wave.

Compassion

We work with and for our community, we’re created by our community, and in turn, create community.

Transparency, Collaboration, Accountability

We grow together with our community by creating dialogue that is founded in mutual respect and honesty; We work to create opportunities for all abilities, ages, and backgrounds to engage in our programming.

Engagement

We engage directly in an active manner to provide the highest quality program outcomes for our community.

4,000

Hours devoted annually

Dedication in Action

The true spirit of CIC manifests through incredible community dedication. Our volunteer’s dedication powers museum operations and fuels vital educational programs, making vibrant community events possible and reflecting a shared commitment to our vision.