
Now in its sixth season, Holland Lifelong Learning allows you to explore top issues in conservation, research and science with expert-led discussions geared toward adults in a relaxed social environment.
Holland Lifelong Learning is pledging to be plastic-free and COVID-19 conscious! All on-site events are limited to 50 guests, chairs will be spaced six feet apart and no refreshments will be served this season. Please wear a mask, respect social distancing and bring your own reusable water bottle!
These events are made possible by the generous support of Mary and Mason Holland and their commitment to the Watershed Campaign. Interested in sponsoring a lecture? Please reach out to Catherine O’Rourke at corourke@scaquarium.org or 843-579-8540.
PLEASE NOTE: In light of recent COVID-19 spikes in our area, and the return to the city’s Phase II status, the decision has been made to cancel January’s Holland Lifelong Learning lecture and transition February’s lecture into a virtual format. Register for February’s livestream here.

Wonders of the Sea: A Movie Night at the BEND
Thursday, September 24 | 6:30 P.M. | The Bend – 3775 Azalea Dr, North Charleston, SC 29405
Explore the ocean and learn about what puts it at risk with the ocean’s first family in the documentary, “Wonders of the Sea.” Join Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of Jacques Cousteau, and his own children, Celine and Fabien, for a thrilling, educational and poetic underwater journey from Fiji to the Bahamas. Narrated by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Please note:
- Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., the documentary will begin at 8:00 p.m. and the event will end at 9:30 p.m.
- You’re encouraged to bring your own chairs and/or blankets; seating will be on the grass field
- There will be marked seating areas in the grass, spaced six feet apart
- Masks are required while walking about, but you may take your mask off at your designated seating area
- There will be food available from Dockery’s and drink tickets for sale to purchase wine and beer. Dockery‘s is donating 100% of the food, beer and wine sales to the Aquarium
- You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Mary and Mason Holland
Christopher Kauker, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
Dockery’s
Fox Audio & Video
Southern Eagle
The Bend
Holy City Popcorn

Creatures of the Night: Bats in the Carolinas
Tuesday, October 20 | 6 P.M. | South Carolina Aquarium
Why should we thank bats for tequila? Are bats to blame for COVID-19? Join us as we answer these questions and many more. Learn why we should care about this insect-eating mammal with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources biologist, Jennifer Kindel.
Missed the lecture? Watch it here.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Mary and Mason Holland
Christopher Kauker, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

What’s the Buzz: Charleston’s Bee Cause Project
Thursday, November 12 | 6 P.M. | South Carolina Aquarium
Would you bee-lieve that bees are responsible for more than just honey? As pollinators, they fertilize plants to create seeds and fruits that we rely on. Learn more about a local effort to protect these animals and see firsthand how honey is harvested with Tami Enright, executive director of the Bee Cause Project and Ted Dennard, founder of the Savannah Bee Company.
Missed the lecture? Watch it here.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Mary and Mason Holland
Christopher Kauker, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Mapping the Unknown: A World Under the Sea
Thursday, February 17 | 6 P.M. | Virtual
You may have heard of the Great Barrier Reef, but what about Charleston’s Richardson coral reef? Recently discovered in 2018 using sonar mapping, this 85-mile stretch of pristine habitat may hold secrets to the future of ocean health. Join the South Carolina Aquarium as we uncover these secrets with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) marine biologist, Peter Etnoyer.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Mary and Mason Holland
Christopher Kauker, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Testing the Waters: A Comfortable Conversation on Climate Change
Thursday, March 25 | 6 P.M. | The American Theater
So a scientist, a student and a fisher walk onto a stage… what do they talk about? Climate change, of course! From nuisance flooding to shellfish loss, climate change impacts all of us in surprising and unthinkable ways. Hear from a panel of local experts and understand what the future holds.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Mary and Mason Holland
Christopher Kauker, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Read More From our Previously Featured Topics
The Other TSA: Keeping Turtle Species Safe
Life Through a Lens: An Evening with Wildlife Photographer, Scott Snider
Microplastics & Mega Problems: Pollution Solutions in the Lowcountry
Wild Ideas: Learning from Nature to Solve Human Problems
Sex, Drugs and Seaslime: An Evening with Author, Dr. Ellen Prager
A Balancing Act: Understanding Life on Local Reefs
Scavengers & Thieves: Protecting Birds We Can’t Live Without
Sirens of the Sea: Tracking Local Manatee Migrations
Unearthing a Mystery: Stories from Marine Mammal Paleontologists
Love on Land and Sea: An Evening with Ron Magill
Dolphins Are Sounding the Alarm: Are We Listening?
The Tide is High: Where Art and Action Collide
Biomedicine in Our Backyard: The Power of Blue Blood
A Blue Vision: A Bright Future for Our Oceans
Craft Your Coastline: What’s Brewing with Oyster Restoration
From Gigabytes to Nature Hikes: Connecting with the Outdoors in a Digital Age
Groundbreaking News: Journey to Recovery
A Need to Sea Change: Charleston’s Resilience
Knot the Typical Connection: Horseshoe Crabs and Shorebirds
Branch Out: Shark and Ray Evolution
Blue Mind: Water For Your Well-being
Plastic Planet: Turning the Tides on the Plastic Pollution Crisis