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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 – The Montshire Museum of Science will host its second Climate Café for parents on November 9, 2024 at 10:00 am. Climate Cafés are facilitated small-group gatherings where participants are provided with a safe space to share their thoughts and emotions around the threat posed by climate change. This event will uniquely focus on the mental health and wellness of parents/caregivers who are faced with the challenge of raising their children in the shadow of an uncertain and changing climate. For children (ages 6-10) of parents participating in the Climate Café, the Montshire will also offer a separate, museum educator-led concurrent Nature Program.
The climate café will be co-facilitated by Vermont resident Elizabeth Bechard, Senior Policy Analyst of Moms Clean Air Force and author of Parenting in a Changing Climate: Tools for Cultivating Resilience, Taking Action, and Practicing Hope in the Face of Climate Change, and Maria Finnegan, Director of the Climate and Health Initiative for Caregivers and Kids (CHICKs) at NH Healthy Climate.
“In a year that has seen devastating extreme weather both in the northeast and across the country, many parents are increasingly worried about what it means to raise children in these times,” states Ms. Bechard. “It’s more important than ever to create spaces where parents can connect with others who care—these spaces can help us make meaning of difficult times and generate connection and solidarity.”
The Montshire Museum of Science recognizes it has an important role to play in our region as a community convener around issues relating to climate adaptation and resilience. “This climate café offers parent and caregivers the opportunity to come together to inspire one another, listen and create meaningful connections,” shares Lara Litchfield-Kimber, Executive Director of the Montshire, “which is an important first step as we look to inspire collective action around climate solutions.”
This Climate Café is made possible with support from Moms Clean Air Force, NH Healthy Climate, and the Montshire Museum of Science. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited in the climate café. Concurrent Nature Program is limited to children of climate café participations ages 6-10, and will be facilitated by a Montshire educator free of charge.
Participating families receive free museum admission for the day. The Montshire Museum of Science is located at 1 Montshire Road in Norwich, VT. To register, visit: https://mms.formstack.com/forms/climatecafes.
About The Montshire Museum of Science
Recently 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 $20 for adults and $17 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.
Media Contact:
Honor Hingston-Cox, Public and Media Relations Manager
Phone: 802.649.2200 x256
Email address: honor.hingston-cox@montshire.org