News

WORCESTER, Mass.—Nov. 26, 2025—For New England families seeking quality family time and fun educational experiences, the EcoTarium’s newest addition will enable the Museum to bring world-class national science exhibitions to Worcester for the first time in its 200 year history.  

The 6,400 square foot, technology-enhanced, Stoddard Exhibition Hall opened Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the “Legacy of the Stars” Gala to a sold-out crowd.  

“The chance for this extraordinary Hall to ignite a passion for discovery in the next generation of scientists and engineers is what has pushed us forward,” said EcoTarium Board of Trustees Chair Joseph Bartulis.  Bartulis thanked donors, volunteers, and staff for advancing a long-term vision that positions the EcoTarium for its next century of operations. 

“The Hall is named in honor of the Stoddard family, who for generations volunteered and made significant contributions to help the Museum become the leading educational resource for the community”, said EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Johnson Smith. “We are proud to be a part of the Stoddard family legacy here in Worcester.”  

Smith acknowledged the Stoddard Charitable Trust, the Arthur M. and Martha R. Pappas Foundation, and the Manton Foundation for their “North Star” leadership gifts, along with many family foundations in Worcester who generously supported the EcoTarium’s Third Century Capital Campaign. A beautiful donor sign was created with artwork by Grafton artist Allison Coehlo Picone. The sign is prominently displayed at the entrance to the Stoddard Exhibition Hall and recognizes more than 100 individuals and foundations making significant gifts to the Campaign. According to Smith, there are more than 300 donors who contributed at every level to raise $10.4M toward the $12.5M goal.   

Museum leaders said the Hall represents a transformative investment in science education for Massachusetts. Built for accessibility, sustainability, and versatility, the venue was planned to accommodate large displays, immersive media, and multi-sensory learning environments that could serve school groups, families, and adult learners throughout the year. 

“We had the “A” team working on this project”, said Smith. “From the volunteer Trustees and committee members to the talented architects at Annum, to Structures LLC and Bill Masiello, to the engineers at Odeh and Code Red, to the builders at Timberline, Altitude Roofing, Mercier Electric, JJ Bafaro, Raymond James Restoration, Garabedian Plumbing, Excel Fire, and dozens of other contractors, we are so grateful for everyone involved,” Smith said the Stoddard Exhibition Hall is topped by a solar array that will generate the annual energy needed to power the new addition.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Red Carpet Sponsor – Polar Beverages
• Entertainment Sponsor – Revelation
• Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres Sponsors – Timberline Construction and Moneta
• Dessert Sponsor – Peppers Artful Events
• Sundial Plaza Lighting Sponsors – Altitude Roofing and Cannistraro
• 200th Anniversary Sponsors – Bartholomew & Company, Flexcon, National Grid, Cornerstone Bank, Consigli
• Table Sponsors – J.J. Bafaro, Inc., Penny Booth, Susan Foley, Fletcher Tilton PC, Judy King and Val Loring, Ed Madaus, Saint-Gobain
• In-Kind Sponsors – Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School, Dauphinais Concrete, Discover Central Massachusetts, Raymond James Restoration, Inc., Worcester Vocational Technical High School

WBZ-TV reporter Levan Reid emceed the program and acknowledged area sponsors, community leaders, and local and state officials, including State Sen. Michael Moore, Worcester Mayor Joe Petty, and former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, for the celebration of this milestone.  

Senator Moore presented a citation from the MA State Senate, “For many of our kids, the EcoTarium is the first place they see live animals up close, touch real science, and understand that the natural world is something they’re a part of, not apart from.”

To the sounds and visuals of charging elephants, Smith announced the first major national exhibition will be The Secret World of Elephants, opening at the EcoTarium on March 7, 2026.  Designed by the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, the exhibition is expected to bring audiences to the Museum from across New England and anchor curriculum-aligned programming for schools. Reid lightened the moment with his engaging personality, offering his interpretation of an elephant’s trumpet call to a round of laughter.  

“Think about the opportunities this museum gives to the children of Worcester who don’t have access to experience wildlife and nature,” said Moore. “This kind of hands-on learning builds curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong respect for the environment, and that benefits not just these children, but the future of our entire community.”