The Montshire Museum opened in 1976 in Hanover, following the closure of the natural history museum at Dartmouth College. It take its name from Vermont and New Hampshire and attracts over 250,000 visitors every year. The Museum aims to promote an interest in the natural and physical world.
After a successful fundraising campaign a new site on the Connecticut River was found, and a new museum was opened in 1989. Its design reflected New England architecture and its landscapes. Around the Museum are a number of nature trails, and the 2-acre Science Park.
The Montshire Museum has over 60 exhibits relating to the natural world, astronomy, technology and the physical sciences, and has increased is exhibition space with the opening of the Leonard M. Riesrer Learning Center. Montshire Museum is also the official visitor center for the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, that covers the Connecticut River's watershed and aims to protect fish and wildlife, and natural diversity of the area.
The Museum is self-guided however there are experienced museum volunteers who assist visitors, give talks on particular exhibits and run informal science activities. There are specific volunteers to assist pre-schooler and Andy's Place is an area designed with them in mind.
Montshire Museum has an active volunteer program training people as 'explainers' to help visitors in the museum, exhibit volunteers, and pre-school volunteers. It also has a 15-week internship program where students learn about the different elements of the museum and complete projects relating to their experience.
