On the day of the ribbon cutting for EverWonder Children’s Museum at its new and expanded location, Executive Director Merredith Christos said it seemed “very surreal.”

“It almost felt when we were welcoming members that I was walking through a dream,” she said.

“It was our dream to move to a much better permanent location,” continued Christos, citing the building just below the Walgreens pharmacy at 11 Mile Hill Road as offering “space to grow.”

The event was attended on invitation by political figures, staff members, educators and members of the community who were able to enjoy refreshments and explore the exhibits and breadth of the new space.

“The best part of the whole product was 9 am today, when the kids started filing in,” said Contractor Bill Brunetti.

Christos attested there were over 150 visitors earlier that day, and because of the larger space, “it didn’t even feel busy.”

There were Lego exhibits, projections of dinosaurs in the wild, interactive tile floors, and many other hands-on exhibits for children to explore. It features a few animal friends too, including two chinchillas and a frog in the mix.

Each room flowed into the other, allowing visitors to explore the new museum layout at their own pace.

“Everyone was saying they couldn’t believe how much we did in two-and-a-half weeks,” said Christos, regarding the updates.

She added future field trips and birthday parties would be “expanded,” as the museum will no longer face space limitations.

“It feels spectacular,” said Board Member Brian Fagan. “I think the way this initiative has continued to grow and evolve will be very, very meaningful for the children of Newtown.”

Before the ribbon was cut, Christos gave a speech, saying she was “so proud” of the support the museum received over the past eight years.”

“We truly hope to make this the next regional children’s museum,” said Christos, who added the EverWonder’s membership has grown to a thirty-minute radius around its location.

Her speech was tearful, heartfelt, and filled with thanks. It included an acknowledgement to a founding member of Everwonder, who was in attendance.

After the ribbon was cut, Newtown Legislative Delegation members Rep Marty Foncello and Senator Tony Hwang presented Christos with a legislative proclamation honoring the museum.

Programming Expanded

The museum’s expanded summer offerings and camps now have a lot more room for attendees who previously faced being shut out or put on a waiting list because of space constraints at its previous Pecks Lane location, Christos said.

EverWonder’s “Summer of Science” camps begin July 17, and run through August 25 featuring STEAM educational opportunities presented in fun ways by trained educators.

According to the museum’s program schedule, each week will delve into the world of STEAM subjects including Bromatology (Kitchen Science), EverWonder-Ology (Everything EverWonder), Zoology (Animal Science) and Cosmology (Earth, Moon, Sun and Stars). July camps are taught by retired math/STEM specialist Pam Fagan, and August camps are taught by Fraser Woods science teacher Zak Brown.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am, the popular “Mrs Fagan’s Story Lab” continues. As a former Newtown kindergarten teacher and math/science specialist, Pam Fagan endeavors to educate and entertain children in the wonders of science.

Story Lab is 15-25 minutes long, includes reading a story and doing a coordinating science craft, and is appropriate for ages 2-5.

Another program, called “Science With Ms Sheila,” delves into questions about science and how the world works. Sheila May is a former preschool director and her class includes a short story followed by a relevant science activity. Appropriate for ages 2-5.

Ranger Nate pulls in to the museum from Beardsley Zoo every first Friday of the month with animal furs, skeletons, and other wild things (no live animals). According to Christos, he is one of EverWonder’s favorite animal experts and loves to answer visitors’ questions.

Parents’ Night Out continues monthly, offering some respite, or just a couple of hours for parents to chill. It provides young visitors open museum access, craft/science demos, and pizza.

EverWonder also offers outreach programming with select traveling activities for various grade levels brought to schools, daycare centers, camps, or even private parties. Scout leaders are encouraged to contact the museum to help scouts achieve their STEM badges through the museum.

For home school students, EverWonder provides field trip style visits for home school groups from Pre-K to 6th grade, with program options that work well with various curriculum, particularly those rooted in STEM.

Most programs are discounted for EverWonder members, and a membership and renewal drive is happening now. Family memberships provide many benefits besides preferred program placement opportunities and full museum access for up to two designated adults and up to four children in the same household.

Discounts for additional guests of members is included, however, along with discounts for in-facility birthday parties, classes, and programs.

EverWonder membership also connects participants to the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) Reciprocal Network. The ACM Reciprocal Network provides 50 percent off general admission for up to six people to over 200 museums nationwide.

There is also a similar program available for grandparents and grandchildren. Go to Everwondermuseum.org — or call 203-364-4009 for information and details.

The museum is closed on Independence Day and Labor Day.

Reporter Noelle Veillette can be reached at noelle@thebee.com.