Explore the Wonders of Science at the Montshire Museum in Norwich

Explore the Wonders of Science at the Montshire Museum in Norwich

The Montshire Museum of Science was founded in 1976 by Robert and Virginia Davie. Robert Davie, a physicist, and his wife Virginia, a science educator, envisioned a museum that would inspire a love of science in people of all ages. They purchased a former bowling alley in Norwich, Vermont, and transformed it into the Montshire Museum of Science.

Over the years, the museum has grown and expanded, adding new exhibits, programs, and outdoor spaces. Today, the Montshire Museum of Science is known for its innovative and engaging exhibits, its beautiful Science Park, and its commitment to science education.

The Montshire Museum of Science features a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits that cover a range of scientific disciplines. The museum’s indoor exhibits are spread out over two floors and include hands-on displays, interactive exhibits, and multimedia presentations.

Some of the most popular exhibits at the Montshire Museum of Science include the “Water Ways” exhibit, which explores the science of water through a series of interactive displays, and the “Making Music” exhibit, which allows visitors to experiment with different musical instruments and learn about the science of sound.

The museum’s outdoor Science Park is equally impressive, featuring a variety of nature trails, gardens, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore the park’s wooded trails, visit the museum’s working beehive, or take a stroll through the butterfly garden.

The Montshire Museum of Science is committed to providing educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The museum offers a variety of programs and events, including science camps for kids, adult education classes, and special events like the popular “Science Sleepover” program.

Mission and Educational Focus of Montshire Museum of Science

The Montshire Museum of Science’s mission is to “ignite curiosity and encourage a lifelong love of learning.” The museum is dedicated to providing engaging and interactive exhibits and programs that inspire visitors to explore and understand the world around them.

The museum’s educational focus is on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The museum aims to make science accessible and fun for people of all ages and to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific literacy.

How to Get there

Add: The Montshire Museum of Science is located at One Montshire Road, Norwich, Vermont, 05055.

By car: If you’re driving from the north, take I-91 South to Exit 13 (Norwich/Hanover). Turn left onto Route 5, cross the bridge into Norwich, and take a right at the first stoplight onto Beaver Meadow Road.

Follow the signs to the Museum entrance, which will be on your right. If you’re driving from the south, take I-91 North to Exit 13 (Norwich/Hanover). Turn right onto Route 5, cross the bridge into Norwich, and take a right at the first stoplight onto Beaver Meadow Road.

Follow the signs to the Museum entrance, which will be on your right.

By bus: There is no public transportation directly to the Montshire Museum of Science, but Greyhound Bus Lines serves White River Junction, Vermont, which is about 10 miles away. From White River Junction, you can take a taxi to the museum.

By plane: The closest airport is Lebanon Municipal Airport, which is about 5 miles away from the museum. Other airports in the area include Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Boston Logan International Airport, which are both about 2 hours away by car. From any of these airports, you can rent a car or take a taxi to the museum.

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Hours and Admission

The Montshire Museum of Science is open year-round, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The museum’s regular hours of operation are as follows:

Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

The museum also offers extended hours on select days throughout the year, including during school vacation weeks and holiday periods. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website for up-to-date information on hours and special events.

Admission to the Montshire Museum of Science is as follows:

• $18 for adults
• $15 for children 2–17
• Free for members and children under 2 years of age.

Exhibits and Activities

The Montshire Museum of Science features a variety of exhibits and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages in hands-on learning and exploration. Some of the museum’s main exhibits include:

• Discovery Lab: This exhibit area is designed for children aged 5 and under, and features interactive activities and exhibits that encourage imaginative play, sensory exploration, and scientific discovery.

• Science Discovery Lab: Visitors of all ages can participate in hands-on activities and experiments that explore various scientific concepts, from physics and chemistry to biology and ecology.

• First Peoples Exhibit: This exhibit showcases the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of the Upper Connecticut River Valley, with artifacts and displays that highlight their traditions, customs, and daily lives.

• Woodland Garden: This outdoor exhibit area features a variety of plants and trees native to the region, as well as interactive exhibits that explore the ecology and biodiversity of the surrounding forest.

• Nature trails: Visitors can explore the museum’s surrounding woodlands and meadows on a network of trails that offer scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

• Science Park: This outdoor exhibit area features hands-on exhibits and activities that explore various scientific concepts, such as sound waves, gravity, and motion.

• Solar System Walk: Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the solar system by following a series of informational signs that are spaced out to represent the distances between the planets.

• Special events and programs: Throughout the year, the Montshire Museum of Science hosts a variety of special events and programs, including workshops, summer camps, and family-friendly activities.

• Planetarium: The museum’s planetarium offers visitors the opportunity to explore the wonders of the night sky and learn about astronomy and space science.

• Science demonstrations: The Montshire Museum of Science also offers a range of science demonstrations and shows, which allow visitors to learn about scientific concepts in a hands-on and engaging way.

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Contact  

The Montshire Museum of Science features a variety of exhibits and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages in hands-on learning and exploration. Some of the museum’s main exhibits include:

 Visitor Services

• Mary Gaetz, Director of Museum Operations and Visitor Experience
• mary.gaetz@montshire.org 
•  (802) 649-2200 x226

Administration

• Lara Litchfield-Kimber, Executive Director
• lara.litchfield-kimber@montshire.org 
• (802) 649-2200 x224

Volunteer Services

• Kim Milliman, Corporate and Community Relations Manager
• kim.milliman@montshire.org
• (802) 649-2200 x249

Museum Rental

• Mary Gaetz, Director of Museum Operations and Visitor Experience
• mary.gaetz@montshire.org
• (802) 649-2200 x226

Museum Store

• Carol Harry, Museum Store Manager
• carol.harry@montshire.org
• (802) 649-2200 x241

Marketing & Communications

• Honor Hingston-Cox, Public and Media Relations Manager
• honor.hingston-cox@montshire.org
• (802) 649-2200 x256

Education

• Adam Blankenbicker, Director of Education
• adam.blankenbicker@montshire.org
• (802) 649-2200 x228

Finance and Human Resources

• Delinda Dupree, Director of Finance and Human Resources
• delinda.dupree@montshire.org
• (802) 649-2200 x233

Facilities

• Gary Collins, Facilities Manager
• gary.collins@montshire.org
• (802) 649-2200 x215

Accessibility

The Montshire Museum of Science is committed to making its exhibits, programs, and facilities accessible to all visitors, regardless of their abilities. The museum’s entrance, restrooms, and exhibit spaces are all wheelchair accessible, and the museum provides assistive listening devices and captioning for certain exhibits and programs upon request.

Service animals are welcome at the museum, and staff members are available to assist visitors with disabilities in navigating the exhibits and facilities. Additionally, the museum offers sensory-friendly kits for visitors with sensory processing differences, which include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and other resources to help create a more comfortable and inclusive environment.

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Special Events and Programs

The Montshire Museum of Science offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year. These programs are designed to educate and engage visitors of all ages with science and nature.

One popular program is the Montshire’s summer camp, which offers week-long day camps for children ages 4-14. Campers will have the opportunity to explore science through hands-on activities, experiments, and outdoor exploration.

The museum also hosts a range of workshops and classes for adults and families. These programs cover a range of topics, including astronomy, geology, and ecology. Visitors can also participate in guided nature walks and special events, such as the annual BugFest and SolarFest.

Additionally, Montshire offers special programs for school groups and educators, including field trips, teacher workshops, and classroom resources.

Montshire Museum Photos

Nearby Attractions

There are several attractions near the Montshire Museum of Science that visitors may enjoy exploring:

Dartmouth College: Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College is a private Ivy League research university known for its academic excellence and beautiful campus.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science: This non-profit organization located in Quechee, Vermont offers educational programs and exhibits focused on the environment and conservation.

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site: Located in Cornish, New Hampshire, this historic site preserves the home, studios, and gardens of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Billings Farm and Museum: This working dairy farm and museum located in Woodstock, Vermont offers visitors the chance to learn about Vermont’s agricultural heritage and rural life.

Quechee Gorge: A scenic gorge located in Quechee, Vermont that offers hiking trails, fishing, and stunning views of the Ottauquechee River.

Simon Pearce Glassblowing: This glassblowing studio and retail shop in Quechee, Vermont offer visitors the chance to watch skilled artisans at work and purchase unique handcrafted items.

King Arthur Flour: Located in Norwich, Vermont, King Arthur Flour offers baking classes, a retail store, and a café featuring delicious baked goods.

Montague Golf Club: This public golf course in Randolph, Vermont offers stunning views of the surrounding Green Mountains and is a great place to enjoy a round of golf.

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Conclusion

The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont offers a wide range of exhibits, activities, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. With its mission to educate and inspire, the museum provides an engaging and interactive experience that encourages curiosity and fosters a love of learning.

Whether you’re exploring the indoor exhibits, enjoying the outdoor activities, attending a special event or program, or just taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding area, the Montshire Museum of Science is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in science and nature.

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