Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

06/02/2026

Our third flower is Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum), a graceful native of rich, shady woodlands throughout the Northeast Kingdom.

Its long, arching stems lean elegantly to one side, lined with broad ribbed leaves, and from beneath each pair dangle small bell-shaped flowers in greenish-white, almost hidden like quiet ornaments. The curious name comes from its underground rhizome: as each year's stem dies back, it leaves behind a round scar that looks like a wax seal or signet stamp, the kind once attributed to the biblical King Solomon. Counting those scars can even reveal the plant's age. By late summer the flowers give way to deep blue-black berries, and the whole plant belongs to the same family as asparagus. A subtle native beauty, it rewards anyone who pauses to look beneath its leaves!

06/01/2026

Our second flower is the Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), one of the most common woodland groundcovers across the Northeast Kingdom and much of northern North America.

Often called "false lily of the valley," it spreads by underground rhizomes to form dense green carpets beneath the trees, sometimes blanketing entire forest floors. In late spring it sends up frothy spikes of tiny, fragrant white flowers, each bloom unusually built in parts of four rather than the typical three or six of its lily relatives. By late summer those flowers ripen into speckled berries that turn from pale green to ruby red, a favorite of chipmunks and woodland birds. Small but mighty, this native is a true sign that spring has settled into the Vermont woods.

05/31/2026

Happy Flower Week! Our first flower is the Starflower (Lysimachia borealis), a delicate native of the cool, shaded woodlands across the Northeast Kingdom.

Its name borealis means "of the north," fitting for a plant that thrives in mossy, coniferous forests. The starflower is best known for breaking botany's usual rules: most flowers come in parts of four or five, but this little beauty typically blooms with seven white petals in a perfect star, rising on a thread-thin stalk above a whorl of pointed leaves. It flowers in late spring, carpeting forest floors with tiny constellations, and belongs to the primrose family.

05/31/2026

There's still space available in our summer Discovery Camps! Sign up today to reserve your spot!

05/29/2026

The Shippee Family Eye Care Butterfly House is OPEN for the season.
Please come by to see our butterflies and moths!

05/18/2026

There's still a few spots left in our Nature Buddies Forest Excursion this Thursday! The weather forecast is currently looking perfect for that morning, so join us at Matsinger Forest for this nature-based playgroup!

05/16/2026

Earlier this month, Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium Meteorologist Operations Manager & Science Educator, Megan Duncan, talked to our seminar class about her career pathway, science education, and effective communication.🌡️🌦️🌎

05/16/2026

☀️ 75 degrees, blue skies, and the best view in St. Johnsbury. It is a perfect day on the Science Deck. Come explore, step outside, and take it all in. We'll see you here!

05/12/2026

For more than 130 years, the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium has served as a gathering place for curiosity, learning, and community in the Northeast Kingdom. We are now inviting members of our community to help carry that tradition forward as front desk and planetarium volunteers.

Volunteers play a vital role in welcoming visitors, supporting daily operations, and bringing our planetarium shows to life. No prior experience is required as we provide full training and ongoing support.

Volunteer requirements:

Ages 17 and older
A flexible schedule and dependable commitment
Strong communication skills and a welcoming presence

If you are interested in joining our team, we would be glad to hear from you.
📞 802-748-2372, ext. 117
🌐 fairbanksmuseum.org/contact
📍 1302 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont

05/06/2026

May means mushrooms ... and much more at the Fairbanks Museum. https://conta.cc/4nc6aMG

Email from Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium Spring adventures and summer fun!     Weather Lore for early spring: If the ash comes out before the oak, the Summer will be a soak. If the oak comes out b