The Calista Initiative made its public debut at the 2026 Ghost Ships Festival, introducing visitors to a new approach to hands-on marine and freshwater science education.
The festival provided an opportunity to share Calista's mission with families, educators, and members of the diving and maritime community, highlighting how curiosity and exploration can inspire young people to discover the science behind our waterways.
But one of the most meaningful moments of the festival wasn't a demonstration or presentation. It was a conversation with a family whose four boys were eager to learn more.
After discovering The Calista Initiative at Ghost Ships, the family signed up for Calista's first Curiosity in Motion pilot class at Manitowoc Public Library.
Their enthusiasm was remarkable. The family was willing to travel approximately 100 miles to give their children the opportunity to participate in a hands-on science experience.
On March 28, those four boys attended the pilot class, exploring buoyancy, density, and careers in marine and freshwater science. They would become The Calista Initiative's first four Founding Members.
What began as a chance encounter at a maritime festival grew into something much bigger: a relationship that helped shape the early history of Calista and demonstrated the power of connecting with families who value curiosity and discovery.
For The Calista Initiative, Ghost Ships Festival wasn't simply the first opportunity to introduce the program to the public.
It was where the journey of Calista's first Founding Members began.
Curiosity Runs Deep.
