The Little Nature Museum was established in the early 1950's. I became familiar with it through my girl friend who became my wife. It was established in Winthrop, MA as that was where Sandy was living. She went to the University of New Hampshire where she kept some animals in her dorm room. Later she married my fraternity roommate. When she got married, she was able to expand the museum.
I think the museum's present location is excellent and the museum has collection that has grown with the space she now has. She has alos arranged for presentations to be made by experts in their fields, which I think is worthwhile. Sandy has put her soul into the museum, and it shows.
Olin C. Braids, Ph.D. (soil chemistry)
All ages cannot help but enjoy themselves at The Little Nature Museum! Toddlers squeal with delight to be able to touch and handle nature's finest treasures., School age students share their knowledge and return time and again to continue their interest, and adults discover new activities and displays, as well as a fun, family outing. The free programs held at the Hopkinton Library (off season) are varied, imformative and interesting. I have really enjoyed them! The museum is fascinating, educational, and inspirational to be mindful of the environment.
The Little Nature Museum was the best kind of learning opportunity for my grandchildren who were visiting from Washington State. They had so much fun browsing through the thoughtfully prepared exhibits, enjoying the specimens and playing nature games, they learned about nature "naturally." In my opinion, that is the best and most effective way for children to develop their interest in and appreciation of the natural world. Sandra Martin and her dedicated volunteers work hard to provide opportunities for children to grow in their knowledge of the natural world. Such opportunities are becoming all too rare. This is a "little" museum in name only. It makes a big and important impact on children.
All three of my sons have participated in programs offered by The Little Nature Museum. They had so much fun that when my youngest son became a Cub Scout and was looking for an opportunity to do some community service, he and the others in his Den asked if they could do something for the Museum. They ended up doing some trail work and making some trail signs. A few years ago while visiting the Museum I offered a program idea, which was a program to teach children what to do if they should get lost in the woods. Since that time, five years ago, the Little Nature Museum has offered this program to over 100 children and is the only source for this program in the entire State of NH.
I've been a member of The Little Nature Museum for close to 50 years, and have watched it grow and mature under Sandy Martin's guiding hand. When I first saw the Museum, it was located in Sandy's bedroom in her parents home in Massachusetts. She has moved it several times over the years and it is now in it's best home ever. The museum's collection has continued to grow as has its library and its schedule of classes and sponsored talks.
And speaking of the sponsored talks, I almost always find the topics interesting from "Ben Kilham on Bears" to "Vermiculture: The Wonderful World of Composting".
A visit to The Little Nature Museum is a great way to spend a day with your children - and you may even enjoy it yourself!
Allen Downs