Jaws at 50: A Conversation with Wendy Benchley

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws as The UNITED, in partnership with Mystic Aquarium and the Living Sharks Museum present an evening of conversation with Wendy Benchley on the legacy of the iconic film and her work as a global voice for protecting sharks. Guests of the conversation are invited to stay for a FREE screening of the new National Geographic documentary Jaws @ 50 directly following the talk. This event is part of the UNITED’s Summer of the Shark celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws.
Wendy Benchley is a renowned global voice for protecting sharks and safeguarding our seas. As a scuba diver for fifty years, she has witnessed dramatic changes to our ocean’s wildlife and its habitats. This has motivated her vigorous efforts to help shape smarter, stronger environmental and marine policies with government officials, NGOs and other civic leaders.
Wendy co-founded the prestigious Peter Benchley Ocean Awards,™ honoring her late husband’s legacy, in order to shine a light on the exceptional conservation work being done by marine scientists, researchers, explorers, and policy makers both in the United States and internationally. Based in Washington, D.C., Wendy is actively engaged in the marine policy community and supports many of the world’s leading ocean & environmental philanthropies. Wendy was married to Peter Benchley, the author of Jaws and a well-known voice for ocean conservation through his numerous books, articles and documentaries about the wonders of ocean life and its many threats.
Learn more about Wendy at: https://www.wendybenchley.com
ABOUT THE FILM
Jaws @ 50 presented by National Geographic is the creative journey behind “Jaws,” the iconic 1975 Spielberg film based on Peter Benchley’s novel. With archival resources, it chronicles the film’s production, Benchley’s writing, and the subsequent rise of shark obsession among audiences.
Saturday, July 12, 2025
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