Newport to house dockside museum, education center: State pledges 2:1 match if $20,000 goal is reached

NEWPORT –– The heart of Downtown Newport is set to become the nexus of environmental education and cultural exploration as Memphremagog Community Maritime (MCM) announces the establishment of the Memphremagog Science & Education Center.

This dockside museum will find its home within the Newport Gateway Center and is primed to offer free, interactive exhibits on the ecology and rich cultural history of Lake Memphremagog and its neighboring regions.

Seeking to augment the unique experience of its “Floating Classroom” initiative aboard the Northern Star cruise boat, the center aims to provide residents, tourists, and especially school children, a comprehensive insight into watershed ecology, conservation tactics, and greater watershed protection measures.

Rooted deeply within the community, MCM operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, emphasizing affordable environmental education accessible to both adults and children within the watershed. With a significant portion of its children’s programs being low cost or entirely free, the organization has always underlined the importance of collaboration, partnering with other local bodies across the border.

The Northern Star, an integral part of MCM, has been instrumental in educating the youth about the region’s profound history, intertwined with diverse cultures and traditions. Additionally, it has been a platform for imparting invaluable skills, including navigation, welding, boat maintenance, and even marketing.

Supporters are encouraged to donate to this visionary endeavor. The funds raised will be utilized for:

• Modular exhibit installations designed to captivate.
• Hands-on tools such as state-of-the-art digital microscopes with camera integrations.
• Advanced audio-visual tech for immersive displays.
• High-quality educational print materials.

In a bid to encourage and amplify community participation, the state has made an unprecedented pledge. If the center achieves its fundraising goal of $20,000, the state promises to match donations at a 2:1 ratio, effectively tripling the funds raised.

Donations are now being accepted, here online.

For those who prefer the traditional method, checks can be mailed to:

Memphremagog Community Maritime

PO Box 44, Newport, Vermont 05855.

For further information or inquiries, please reach out to Felicia Updyke at [email protected]