"To inspire an appreciation and responsibility for our place in the natural world." The mission of the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in the northeastern Vermont town of St. Johnsbury, as quoted by museum founder Franklin Fairbanks, remains the same today as it did in 1891 when the stately pink limestone building first opened it's doors. The museum's primary dedication is to natural sciences, and it covers a range of topics from endangered plants and animals to the stars and planets surrounding our earth.
Upon entering Fairbanks Museum a visitor is first struck not by the displays, but by the daring architecture of the 21,500 square foot structure. An archway of warm wood soars above the main exhibit hall and its balcony, running the entire length of the building and setting a dramatic stage for the museum's eclectic collection.
On the first floor, the Fairbanks is dedicated to representing plants, animals, birds and insects from New England and around the world. Preserved bison, moose and bears anchor the display with their impressive size. But dwarfing the attraction of the large mammals, is a dizzying - if not somewhat macabre - collection of birds. Franklin Fairbanks fondly referred to it as his "cabinet of curiosities." The exhibit houses nearly 1,000 species of birds and 3,000 specimens in all, including the world's most incredible exhibition of mounted hummingbirds.
Moving upstairs to the balcony, a visitor to the Fairbanks Museum finds themselves on a trip around the world. Artifacts from many cultures and of seemingly every variety reside here. Weapons and dolls, tools and textiles are all included in this diverse collection, which was largely provided by traveling friends and family of the museum’s founder.
For children of all ages, the most exciting part of a trip to the Fairbanks is a visit to the planetarium, the only public planetarium in Vermont. Fantastically narrated, visions of the nights sky are reflected onto the 24 foot domed ceiling and explained in a way that is both interesting and easy to understand. Adjacent to the planetarium is an exhibit devoted to space, the highlight of which is a model of the Apollo Lunar Lander on the moon's surface.
The Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury, Vermont is a fascinating destination for families and nature-lovers alike. It's location in the wild and unspoiled Northeast Kingdom, surrounded by a great variety of recreational and lodging opportunities, makeing the museum a great addition to any Vermont traveler's itinerary.
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