Meet Margaret Hahn

Margaret and her husband made the move from Haverstraw, NY, to Jensen Beach in 1997, drawn by family ties and a love for the area. In 2021, after a visit to Florida Oceanographic with friends, she immediately felt a connection and signed up to volunteer that very same day. Within a month, she was part of the team—and since then, she has dedicated nearly 500 hours of service.

Margaret began helping with seagrass matting before training to become an Exhibit Guide, where she welcomes guests, shares insights about our aquariums and touch tanks, and sparks curiosity about Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Known for her friendly nature, she especially loves engaging with children and seeing their excitement as they learn.

Before retiring in 2019, Margaret worked as an Endoscopy RN. She was married to her late husband, who had five children and thirteen grandchildren from a previous marriage, all of whom became an extended part of her life. Margaret also delights in spending time with her own family, including a nephew, two nieces, and two great-nieces, whom she loves to spoil. She continues to cherish time with both family and friends.

For Margaret, volunteering is as much about the people as it is about the mission: “Everyone who works or volunteers here is always willing to help—whether it’s answering a question, offering encouragement, or just listening. That sense of community is why I love being part of the Florida Oceanographic family.”

SNAP SHOT:

BORN: Ft Eustis Army Hospital in Virginia, where her dad was stationed.

COLLEGE: Graduated as an RN from Rockland, Community College.

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: Little Bit of Brooklyn; the delectable meals remind her of grandma’s cooking.

FAVORITE BOOKS: Her favorite thing to do is read and will read anything put before her. The Notebook is one of her all-time favorites.