Through the generosity of homeowners that opened their homes, local businesses, Tabor Academy and our amazing community, the Sippican Woman’s Club 2024 Holiday By The Sea House Tour was a fantastic success allowing the Club to generously give back and support another amazing local treasure, the Marion Natural History Museum, with a $1,000 grant to support technology and website improvements.
The Sippican Woman’s Club established in 1904, is a mere youth in comparison to the Marion Natural History Society that was established in 1867 with the Museum opening in 1872, recently celebrating their 150th Anniversary. Built by the generosity of Elizabeth Taber, the Museum focuses on the rich natural history of our locality, brought to life through engaging exhibits, enlightening lectures, and interactive educational programs for both the young and the young at heart.
Taber compelled the society to “press onward to higher and higher attainments till they become unitedly a praise and a power in the community” and today as a cornerstone of education and information in our community, the Museum is dedicated to exploring and explaining the wonders of our local coastal and offshore environments with fascinating exhibits, archives, and dynamic outreach programs.
The Museum’s collections are mostly historic contributions from the South Coast’s own amateur scientists and naturalists, including Mrs. Taber’s insect and shell collections and Mr. Week’s impressive display of nearly 1,000 butterflies donated over 100 years ago. Additionally, the Museum boasts a sizable collection of waterfowl and birds of prey, an equally large collection of Native American artifacts along with several specimens of fish, turtles and other creatures that live in our local wetlands and oceans.
Offering after school and summer programs for kids, the Museum is more than just a place to visit; it’s a launchpad for future scientists, naturalists, and engineers. Upcoming programs include rocketry, harbor ecology and a visit to Ram Island. For those young at heart and still naturally curious, upcoming community programs include submarine vents, dragonfly and damselfly presentation and walk, a butterfly walk, and ambassador animals.
The Sippican Woman’s Club is honored to support the Museum and invites you to “be curious” and see such wonders yourself by visiting the Museum at 8 Spring Street, above the Library. The museum is handicap accessible with an elevator located at the rear entrance. Learn more about upcoming programs, membership and museum hours by visiting www.MarionMuseum.org. The Sippican Woman’s Club welcomes all women interested in our local community and invites you to visit www.SippicanWomansClub.org to learn more about membership and upcoming events.