Members can visit the Museum and see new monthly exhibits at no cost and can choose from many free or discounted programs throughout the year, in addition to other benefits, such as receiving advance notice of programs, camps, and special events. For more program information, make sure to check the Events section of the Newsletter, or call 802-843-2111.
Announcements & Items of Interest
Nature Museum is Twenty!
The Museum’s 20th Birthday party on May 23 was a wonderful gift to the community — a true jubilation with balloons, bubbles, and a gigantic leaping logo cake with ice cream. Around 250 guests, many of whom were first–time visitors to both Grafton and the Museum — came out on a glorious day to participate in a variety of fun, free activities at the Museum and around the town. The Chapel was packed for Troy Wunderle’s Big Top Bubble Blast with adults and children fascinated by the engaging circus performer, his amazing bubbles, and the obvious joy of young participants from the audience.
Later in the afternoon The Junkman, aka Donald Knack, gave everyone a new appreciation for found objects and their extended value in music. He then filled the White Church stage with percussionists of all ages who made music on recycled detergent bottles, hub caps, pots, window shutters, and other “junk” as they rhythmically sang about saving water and recycling. In between events, families picnicked on the Museum’s lawn, enjoyed games in the garden, and toured the collections.
Museum Board and staff thank all the many volunteers and businesses who gave their time and energy to help make the party such a stupendous success.
First Vermont Fairy Houses Tour At The Nature Museum at Grafton
Saturday, September 26, 11-4
Sunday, September 27, 1-4
- Get ready for the first Fairy Houses Tour in Vermont with Tracy Kane!
- Get inspired with books from our 2009 Reading List!
- Start collecting your own natural materials to help build a house.
- Take the tour and see houses and villages made by many different individuals, groups, and businesses.
- Meet Tracy Kane, get her autograph, and learn more about these special places.
- Then make your own house to display at the Museum Village.
Enjoy this fun for all ages!
View from the Board
As we celebrate the Museum’s 20th birthday we look back at the visionary people whose strong determination and clear direction brought about the creation of our organization. We owe a debt of gratitude to our founders Don Clark and Sue Hadden. From the beginning Don and Sue’s focus was to foster scientific wonder, beauty, and delight in New England’s earth, sea, and skies. This tireless dynamic duo used Don’s extensive personal collections as the foundation for the Museum’s displays and opened the original Museum above the Grafton Town Hall in 1989. Under the guidance of Don and Sue, and with the help of a committed board, the Museum began offering educational programs. So successful were their offerings that within ten years the Museum had already outgrown its home.
Once again hard work and clear purpose paid off as the visionary Board took a leap of faith and initiated a successful capital campaign to purchase the Grafton Grange as the Museum’s new residence. After extensive remodeling the Nature Museum opened in 1999 in its present location on Townshend Road. Over the last decade the Museum’s collections and educational programs have continually expanded. In 2008 we presented over 400 programs in 40 towns and touched the lives of almost 10,000 participants. This is a history of which we can be very proud. It is also good to remind ourselves that our beloved little Museum began with two dedicated individuals coming together with a passion for a common purpose. We certainly have cause for gratitude and for celebration, and celebrate we didl!
