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The Montshire Museum of Science is an interactive science center in Norwich, Vermont, with more than 150 hands-on exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. Outdoors, visitors can explore nature trails and exhibits on wind, water, and sound in David Goudy Science Park. Visiting exhibitions, educational programs, and special events are offered throughout the year.
NORWICH, VT — Local fans of the Montshire Museum of Science aren’t the only ones excited about the Healing Forest initiative. This week, the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) honored the project with its Leading Edge Award, which recognizes extraordinary achievements in advancing informal science learning, community engagement, and organizational innovation in the field of science centers and museums worldwide.
For the Healing Forest, the museum’s 110-acre campus is being reimagined with spaces that invite meditation and mindfulness practice, sensory exploration, quiet reflection, and play. The project grew from the museum’s strategic shift toward deepening community impact and engagement, particularly around mental health.
“What kept coming up again and again and again was the need for support for mental health,” said Lara Litchfield-Kimber, the executive director at the Montshire. “COVID really brought that to light — the way people sought out our natural spaces.”
New outdoor exhibits include Timber Tumble, a whimsical ball run in the woods conducive for sound bathing, and the Wind Phone, a quiet space for contemplation and connecting with loved ones who have passed.
The initiative also focuses on restoring the forest itself. Vermont forester Ethan Tapper has developed a management plan to increase carbon storage, protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and expand opportunities for learning about forest stewardship. The Montshire has also partnered with other local organizations like the Upper Valley Trails Alliance to improve the accessibility of its outdoor trails.
Founded in 1973, ASTC is a network of 600 science and technology centers and museums, and allied organizations in more than 40 countries. With its members and partners, ASTC works towards a vision of increased understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people. This year’s awards were presented at the 2025 ASTC Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA on September 8.
About The Montshire Museum of Science
Named “Best Museum” in the 2024 Times Argus Best of the Best Awards, and 2024 Valley News Reader’s Choice Awards, the Montshire Museum of Science’s mission is to forge and empower a community of lifelong learners through engagement with science.
Located in beautiful Norwich, VT, the Montshire Museum of Science is open seven days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Daily admission is $21 for adults and $18 for children ages 2-17. The Museum is free for members and children under the age of two. Memberships are available. Visit montshire.org or call 802-649-2200 for more information.
The Montshire Museum of Science is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is supported by admission, membership, grants, and charitable contributions.