Ahoy! Sea Squirt & Sea Stars: Preschool Programs at Mystic Seaport

Do you know a preschooler who likes boats and fish? Mermaids and pirates? Stories and science? Crafts and play? (Um, is water wet?)

Well, we’ve got the programs for your ocean-loving preschooler. Spring is definitely in the air at Mystic Seaport, and our spring preschool programs at the Children’s Museum are starting this week. This active hour of maritime fun starts each week in the Children’s Museum with crafts, science activities, songs, stories and play. It’s a new maritime adventure each week, with field trips around the Museum on sunny days—exploring the grounds with a Museum Teacher and your preschooler is a whole new way to see Mystic Seaport.

And new this spring, we have programs for up to age four! We’ve expanded our preschool offerings, so our Sea Squirts program is still just for 2 1/2-year-olds to 3 1/2-year-olds and their caregiver, while a new program, Sea Stars, suits the developmental needs of three- to four-year-olds who attend with a caregiver. And now, choose from classes on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.

There are a few spots still remaining for Sea Squirts and Sea Stars—call now (860.572.5322) to register for classes starting Wednesday, March 11. Classes are one hour in length, and meet for six sessions. Member discount is available, of course.

Calling all Gardeners!

Yes, there is still snow on the ground. Yes, there’s a chance there might be more. But to quote the great Hal Borland, “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.”

Spring is coming and we’re more than ready. In preparation, the Membership Department at Mystic Seaport is hosting a Spring Garden Series at Seamen’s Inne to help you get your gardens ready for the coming season.

The three-part luncheon series begins Friday, March 13, with Anne Duncan, owner of the Salem Herbfarm in Connecticut. Anne will explain the most cost-effective way to grow, maintain, preserve and enjoy popular culinary herbs.

On Friday, April 10, the Museum’s Supervisor of Gardens Kara Franco will detail the flowers and vegetables that are grown in Mystic Seaport’s greenhouse for the Museum’s period gardens (betcha didn’t know that we even grow our own veggies, huh?!). After lunch, attendees will visit the Museum’s greenhouse to check out the new seedlings and plants.

County Master Gardener Coordinator Susan Munger wraps up the series Friday, May 15, with a discussion about the ease of creating sustainable landscapes with the use of rain gardens, a low-maintenance feature that allows surface water to return to the underground aquifer. Copies of Munger’s book, Common to this Country: Botanical Discoveries of Lewis and Clark will also be available.

Gardens, history and much more. All waiting at Mystic Seaport.

So replace those mittens with gardening gloves and those shovels with trovels. It’s all about sunshine, fresh vegetables and plentiful gardens from here on out…we hope.

For more information, times and prices, visit our Membership Department online or call 860.572.5339.

Big Bang for Your Buck

Are you wearing last year’s duds instead of buying new?  Have hot dogs and canned soup replaced steak and gourmet foods on your grocery list?  Have you canceled this year’s vacation?  We hear you.  It’s a familiar scenario these days.

 

Well, take heart. Here’s a lift for your spirits. Vacation and fun are not out of reach. Especially for Connecticut residents, good times are practically in your own backyard at Mystic Seaport – The Museum of America and the Sea.

 

A Museum membership offers you and your family a big bang for your buck. Topping the list is unlimited free admission to Mystic Seaport during your membership year, and no matter which category of membership you purchase, it’s a tax deduction!

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If the word “discount” has a magical ring, just listen to some of the many great discounts available to all Mystic Seaport members: shopping at the Museum Store; dining at the Seamen’s Inne Restaurant and Pub; reduced rental prices at Mystic Seaport’s boathouse (in season); special pricing on Rosenfeld prints and ships plans; and last but not least, discounts at many other museums, both in neighboring states and further afar. (Read more about Mystic Seaport membership perks.)

An autumn day outside the Membership Building.

Members also receive invitations to special member events at the Museum and have interesting group travel opportunities to destinations far and wide. Additionally, you will have the  chance to register early for select Museum programs and purchase advance tickets for popular special events such as Nautical Nightmares and Lantern Light Tours.
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What you’ll perhaps appreciate most as a Mystic Seaport member is access to a quiet members-only lounge. It’s in the first floor of the Membership Building, a welcome respite from the crowds or inclement weather, where you can relax in comfortable arm chairs, have a hot or cold drink and peruse the members-only selection of caps, mugs, ties, scarves and burgees available for purchase.

Enjoy a hot chocolate in the Membership lounge.

Sound good? Then welcome aboard! Join our member community either on-line, by phone(860.572.5339), or by stopping by the Membership Building during your next visit. (Your admission fee can be deducted from your membership.) How’s that for a good deal? Perhaps now you can go ahead and enjoy that nice steak dinner.