(STAMFORD, CT) – Today, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz was joined by Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, State Representative Hubert Delany and staff at the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens to highlight the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program. The program allows Connecticut children to receive free admission at more than 130 museums across the state during the summer months.
Governor Lamont established the program in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a way of providing children with engaging summer enrichment and learning experiences. It is funded through a $15 million investment in federal COVID-19 recovery funding Connecticut received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Under the program, from July 1, 2022, to September 5, 2022, Connecticut children aged 18 and under – plus one accompanying Connecticut adult – can receive free admission to any of the participating museums, including historic house museums, historic sites, historical societies, art museums, children’s museums, science centers, special-interest museums, natural history museums, university museums, arboretums/botanical gardens and zoos.
Some of the notable attractions include:
- Connecticut Science Center, Hartford
- Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
- Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington
- Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk
- Kidcity Children’s Museum, Middletown
- Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Norwalk
- Mystic Aquarium, Mystic
- Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic
- New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks
“Governor Lamont and I were focused on creating educational programs throughout the summer months for students to combat the effects of distance learning from COVID-19, and to provide an entertaining, enriching outlet for parents to bring their children to during the summer months,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Through Labor Day, the Bartlett Arboretum is hosting their summer concert series which are free for Connecticut children and their families. This is just one of the many opportunities available for children and their families across the state through our Connecticut museums.”
“I’m so thrilled to be able to celebrate this amazing gem in our city, and I want to thank the whole team here at Barlett Arboretum & Gardens,” said Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons. “I bring my family here all of the time. It’s really just a peaceful sanctuary, with lots of incredible events like the Earth Day events to the Honey Festival. Just observing the children at camp, you can tell how they are already getting that love of learning and an appreciation for the environment. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, this program is so impactful for the children here in Stamford and our state.”
The mission of the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is to cultivate and develop a diverse collection of trees, gardens, and plants for all to explore, enjoy and study; and to provide through education and stewardship, a greener, healthier, more beautiful environment. The property features 93 acres of open space highlighting the best of what Connecticut's native landscape has to offer.
“I’d like to start off by thanking the Governor and Lt. Governor, the Mayor’s office and the entire staff here to talk about this important program,” said State Representative Hubert Delany. “In my brief experience with leadership, when you talk with people, the things people care most about are the things closest to their hearts. That’s why this was so important to me. It shows that we are working together to take care of the things that matter to people, like their children, their families, their love of learning, and ultimately, their happiness.”
“I’d really like to thank Governor Lamont and congratulate the state of Connecticut,” said CEO of the Barlett Arboretum & Gardens Tracy Kay. “To do this is such a great thing not just for the museums, but for the kids that visit. The funding that has been provided through this program has allowed us to hire additional staff to provide more programming and resources for our summer programs, allowing us to reach even more children in the area.”
To see the full list of participating museums, visit www.CTSummerMuseums.com.
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For Immediate Release: Monday, August 1, 2022
Contact: Chelsea Neelon