Summer At The Museum Program Comes To Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — With the COVID-19 pandemic waning, it's time to get back to visiting local museums, zoos, aquariums and science centers.

To help make that happen, Connecticut has launched the Summer At The Museum initiative. From July 1 to Sept. 6, Connecticut children age 18 and under plus one accompanying Connecticut resident adult can visit participating museums free of charge.

The program is part of Gov. Ned Lamont’s larger plan to use recovery funds to provide students and families with engaging summer enrichment and learning experiences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and other local and state elected officials stopped by the Greenwich Historical Society, which is participating in the program. The Bruce Museum in Greenwich is also a partner.

"Connecticut's museums and historical sites are gems of our communities. The CT Summer at the Museum plan is a historic investment both in our museums and cultural spaces and in our young people. Our museums are incredible resources for enrichment and learning, and this program will make sure that these opportunities are accessible for every child in our state," Bysiewicz told Patch after her visit. "I am thrilled that the Bruce Museum and the Greenwich Historical Society are participating, and I encourage every family to take advantage of this program in Greenwich, and at the over 90 partner museums and sites across the state this summer."

Cai Pandolfino, Director of Communications and Strategy for the Greenwich Historical Society, said the program is a great way to get people back to the cultural centers, museums, historical societies and the like, that were affected by COVID.

To fund this initiative, the Greenwich Historical Society and the other participating Connecticut partners were awarded a substantial grant from the state and federal COVID relief funds.

"We had two school years of children that weren't able to get here, so we'll be able to funnel those funds not only into individual children coming with their families, but also to programs for children throughout the year," Pandolfino said.

There are several exciting events going on at the historical society, such as a new exhibit titled Beautiful Work: The Art of Greenwich Gardens and Landscapes. Pandolfino said the historical society just relaunched its "Hands On History cart" to go along with exhibits. The cart features a scavenger hunt, garden tour and craft projects for kids related to gardens and landscapes. The historical society also has an art and history camp running this month, as well as outdoor concerts every other Thursday.

"There's a number of different things where children and families can enjoy the historical society," Pandolfino said.

First Selectman Fred Camillo said the Summer At The Museum program was launched at the right time.

"Anything that promotes and celebrates the arts, as this initiative does, is welcomed, especially after experiencing the worst pandemic in the last 100 years over the last 16 months. We hope our residents take advantage of the many programs and exhibits that we will have here in town at both Bruce Museum and the Greenwich Historical Society this summer," he said.

This program is geared towards families exploring together, not large camp groups.
The children and the accompanying adult must be Connecticut residents. Proof of residency may be required (CT Driver's License or ID Card).

Participating museums have the discretion to administer the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program to the best of their ability and according to their needs. Certain restrictions may apply and capacity may be limited. Be sure to check with each museum to learn of any restrictions before visiting.

To see the full list of participating museums, click here.

For more information on the Greenwich Historical Society, click here.

For more on the Bruce Museum, click here.