The Montshire Museum of Science is home to the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Education Center located in Norwich, Vermont. The Montshire is a hands-on Museum, offering dozens of exciting exhibits relating to technology, astronomy, and the physical sciences. With the presence of the Silvio O. Conte Refuge, the Museum now offers additional exhibits that illuminate the natural history of the Upper Connecticut River Valley. See www.montshire.net.

The building is located on a 110-acre site near the Connecticut River, and the Museum's outdoor environment is a large part of the visitor experience. Science Park is a two-acre exhibit area in a beautiful, park-like setting. Also outside is a network of easy-to-moderate walking trails for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. back to top

Exhibits
Visitors will find dozens of hands-on exhibits on natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. back to top

Programs
The museum staff, and Service staff at the museum, offer a wide variety of programs for a variety of audiences including families, children, adults, school groups, and professional development opportunities for teachers and school districts.

Programs are listed in the Montshire Calendar of Events:
http://www.montshire.net/events.html back to top

Hiking and Picnicking
Outside the Museum are several walking trails, exhibits and observation areas to enjoy with paid admission. During warmer months, picnic tables are available for eating outside. back to top

Accessibility
First floor exhibit spaces and bathrooms are entirely wheelchair accessible. Second floor exhibit spaces can be reached by elevator. Several walking trails on the Quinn Nature Preserve are also wheelchair accessible. The observation tower, pedestrian bridge and some walking trails cannot be reached via wheelchair. Audio tours of Museum exhibits are available through hand-held transmitters available at the reception desk. back to top

The Silvio O. Conte Refuge is currently searching for volunteers to work at our visitor center to educate the citizens of the watershed and promote the mission of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Refuge System, as well as Silvio O. Conte Refuge. Be a part of something big and volunteer at your Refuge!

Montshire has an active volunteer program for members who wish to help with exhibits, education, outdoor programs, fund-raising, and other museum activities. back to top

Montshire is open seven days a week throughout the year except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Years Day. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm.

Admission (2005 rates) for adults $7.50; children 3 to 17 $6.50. Members and children under 3 are admitted free. Memberships are available. back to top

Montshire is located off exit 13 of I-91 in Norwich, VT, five miles north of White River Junction, VT. Highway signs direct visitors to the driveway just to the east of the northbound exit ramp. It is directly across the Connecticut River from Hanover, NH, home of Dartmouth College. back to top