Lutz Children's Museum

Last updated on September 7, 2011

Mission Statement
The mission of the Lutz Children's Museum is to be a catalyst for educational experiences, create a dynamic environment, and serve as a unique community resource.

Educational Philosophy
"The Lutz Children's Museum was established to foster imagination, arouse curiosity, and promote museums as resources for lifelong learning. Our staff of highly qualified museum curators strives to deliver only extraordinary programs that stimulate the learner's senses and promote a love of learning"

Description:
Every visit to the Lutz Children's Museum is exciting because exhibits change frequently and special programs are offered daily. Most exhibits and activities are designed for children aged two through twelve.

The museum's home is a former schoolhouse. Gallery halls were once classrooms, and the school auditorium is now used for classes, parties, concerts and special events. Today colorful murals cover the walls and the sounds of music and children playing always fill the air. Downtown Manchester and the historical district are right down the road.

The museum offers a live animal exhibit of small native, domestic and exotic animals. It also operates the largest rehabilitation and release programs for native orphaned and injured animals in the area.

Parents, Grandparents and Teachers are encouraged to actively participate and use the Museum's services. Middle and High school-aged young people, and adults participate as volunteers.

History:
The late Hazel Lutz was a beloved art teacher and also a world traveler. During her travels, she collected a variety of artifacts and trinkets that she believed would be of interest to children. Hoping to use these items as educational tools, she established a "museum" in the storage closet of her schoolroom. Her collection grew through the donations of others and began to include items that could be related to most academic disciplines. From her storage closet, the collection was moved to progressively larger and more public spaces. The Lutz Children's Museum was founded by the PTA in 1953 and named in her honor. To this day, the museum offers children educational and cultural opportunities that they may not have otherwise and gives teachers an additional source of enrichment and resource materials.

Contact person: Bob Eckert, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (860) 643-9428

Address:

247 South Main St. Manchester, CT 06040 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.lutzmuseum.org

Directions:

Take I-384 to Exit #3 (Main Street). Turn left onto South Main Street. The museum is about one mile on the left (before the reservoir).   Nearest Bus Stop: Hartford Road & Main Street, 15 minute walk For maps or information, please see http://www.cttransit.com/

Last updated on September 7, 2011