What some Massachusetts science museums have to say about themselves...
"Today, after 90 years, the Boston Children's Museum exists to help children understand and enjoy the world in which they live. As an early museum experience for children, our environment is informal, but our purpose is serious. We want children to grow up feeling secure and self-confident with respect for others and the natural world. We encourage imagination, curiosity, questioning, and realism. We provide opportunities for new insights, involvement with the world and understanding of human differences with world-class exhibits and programs".
"The MIT Museum is a place that explores invention, ideas, and innovation. Home to renowned collections in science and technology, holography, architecture and design, nautical engineering and history, the Museum features changing and ongoing exhibitions, unique hands-on activities, and engaging public programs. The in-depth learning opportunities the Museum offers showcase the fascinating world of MIT and inspire creativity and provoke inquiry"
The mission of the Museum of Science, Boston is to stimulate interest in and further understanding of science and technology and their importance for individuals and for society. To accomplish this educational mission, the staff, volunteers, overseers, and trustees of the Museum are dedicated to attracting the broadest possible spectrum of participants and involving them in activities, exhibits, and programs which will:
"A non-profit organization, the Cape Cod Children's Museum is a place where families can learn and play together. Come and explore our facilities located in Mashpee. With lots of hands on exhibits, our own pirate ship, an indoor planetarium, puppet theater, toddler play area, gift shop, and daily programs, you'll find plenty to do. Make new friends and learn about our many programs while your children are free to explore, touch, and discover".
"The mission of the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History is to inspire appreciation, understanding and stewardship of our natural environment through discovery and learning. The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History integrates the three strands of its organizational identity Ð as museum of natural history, nature education center, and steward of conservation land".
"The Children's Museum at Holyoke provides participatory exhibits and educational programs that invite the interaction of children and adults to promote enjoyable learning and self-discover in the arts, sciences, and the world around them".
"The mission of the Marion Natural History Museum is to promote public interest in and public knowledge of natural history in order to increase visitor's awareness in man's relationship within his environment.Ê Our main interest is to act as an educational and informational resource for the surrounding area, specializing in the natural history of our local coastal and offshore areas and to relate issues of concern that pertain to those areas through our archives, displays and outreach programs".
"The Public Health Museum in Massachusetts is housed in the Old Administration Building of Tewksbury Hospital. The hospital was established in 1852 as a state almshouse to care for the poor including a growing number of immigrants. It became the Tewksbury State Hospital in 1900, the Massachusetts State Infirmary in 1908 and Tewksbury State Hospital and Infirmary in 1938. It is now known as Tewksbury Hospital".
"MAS stimulates the study of archaeology and Native American cultural history, especially in Massachusetts, and serves as a bond among all students of archaeology. The MAS fosters public understanding through educational programs and publications, and promotes scientific research, careful, well-directed archaeological activity, conservation of sites, data, and artifacts, and seeks to prevent collection of specimens for commercial purposes".
At the Berkshire Museum, there's something for everyone. They offer a unique blend of exhibitions, galleries, and attractions for families of all ages. See exhibitions, fine art, and sculpture from around the world. Explore our touch tank and aquarium. Be amazed at their collection of artifacts from Native American cultures and ancient cultures of Egypt, China, and more. Marvel at the technology that awaits in the new Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation. So much to see, and all under one roof... go ahead, Discover the World Inside.
Visitors to the Springfield Science Museum will find a world filled with the wonders of natural and physical science. The Museum also is home to a live animal center with fish, insects, reptiles and amphibians in such realistic natural habitats as an Amazon rainforest, coral reef, and New England harbor.
In Dinosaur Hall delight in our full sized replica of Tyrannosaurus rex which towers over you, and also peer directly into his fierce jaws from a window on the second floor. Be on safari in our R.E. Phelon African Hall which takes you from the plains of an African savannah up to a bird's eye view of the animals, including lions, a huge African elephant, a giraffe and an ostrich. African Hall also offers a glimpse of several traditional African cultures.
You can take imaginary voyages to the farthest corners of the universe in the Seymour Planetarium. Just outside the planetarium, you'll walk beneath a replica of the solar system and touch rocks from outer space. Earth Hall will amaze you with its extensive collection of crystals, minerals, and fossils. Aviation buffs won't want to miss the 1937 Zeta aircraft, one of only three remaining Springfield built Gee Bee airplanes. In the MASSPOWER Science Discovery Laboratory, families can experiment to discover the mysteries of everyday science.
