The Stamford Museum & Nature Center (SM&NC) is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural
and educational resource for the community and a focal point for family activity and interaction. We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibits, educational programs and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.

Description:
Situated on a 118-acre woodland site, our vast resources include a main building with exhibition galleries, a 50-seat planetarium, and collections storage; a studio art building with classrooms, workshops and gallery space; the Heckscher Farm, an 18-acre teaching farm; the Overbrook Nature Center, with pond life exhibits and teaching spaces; the Stamford Observatory, a state-of-the-art research and public facility; Animal Embassy, home to live exotic animals; Nature's Playground, a participatory outdoor space with activities crafted from natural materials; and a hardwood forest with an extensive trail system. SM&NC welcomes more than 130,000 visitors each year.

History:
The Stamford Museum was founded in 1936 by Dr. G.R.R. Hertzberg, a prominent Stamford Surgeon, to provide educational and cultural services to the community. The Museum was originally located in downtown Stamford and focused on natural science specimens. In 1937, the City of Stamford began its financial contribution to the Museum, which continue to the present day. In 1945, when the Weber estate deeded land to the city to create a park, a carriage house with use of eight acres of land was given to the Museum. Art, history, and agricultural science were added to the mission at that time. In the 1950s, the Connecticut turnpike claimed much of the park, forcing the Museum to find new quarters. The Museum's Board of Directors mounted an aggressive campaign and purchased the former estate of department store founder Henri Bendel in 1955. The move provided the Museum with an 80-acre woodland site with Tudor-style buildings constructed in 1931 and the name was changed to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center (SM&NC). Additional land was donated to SM&NC, and by 1980, the site comprised 118 acres.

Contact person: Cathryn Oulighan, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (203) 322-0408

Address:

39 Scofieldtown Road Stamford, CT 06903 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.stamfordmuseum.org

Miscellaneous Information

Does your agency have weekend volunteer opportunities?
	Yes
Does your agency have evening volunteer opportunities?
	Yes
Does your agecny accept court ordered communituy service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept and coordinate group projects for corporate volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept and coordinate group projects for youth volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept youth volunteers ages 8-13 with adult supervision?
	Yes
Does your agency accept youth volunteers ages 14-18?
	Yes