Education

In the world of weather, is there anything more amazing than an often cloud covered and frozen New England mountaintop which consistently experiences severe icing in winds that frequently exceed 100 miles per hour? Well, on top of Mount Washington there is something more incredible and that's the fact that a small group of scientists live and work in these conditions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

As you might imagine, we at the Mount Washington Observatory all have a passion for weather, climate, area history and the alpine environment. To share our love of this unique environment our small non-profit organization promotes education on these subjects by encouraging interaction to enhance knowledge and understanding. The result of our educational mission can be found in our facilities, distance learning, and traveling outreach programs where your class, troop or business can learn about weather from the people who know it best!

Museums & Exhibits

Weather Discovery Center

This fun place to learn about Mount Washington's extreme weather is located in the heart of North Conway Village. At the Weather Discovery Center, you can explore interactive exhibits, or join a live videoconference with our experienced staff currently living and working summit of Mount Washington; home of the world's worst weather!

Mount Washington Museum

A trip to the top of New England's highest peak is enhanced when visiting the Observatory's museum. Come inside and learn about geology, alpine vegetation and the men and women who record the mountain's harsh weather.

Observatory Tours

Take a tour of our legendary weather station and experience the place where our observers work around the clock during the depths of winter to record some of the worst weather on the planet!

Instructor Led Programs

Camp-In

It may be well below zero at the summit of Mount Washington, but rest assure when it's warm and toasty in the Weather Discovery Center!

So, bring your sleeping bag and toothbrush and camp-in. Our Weather Discovery Center will be open exclusively for you!

Distance Learning Programs

Through interactive video conferencing, your class or business will connect live to the summit of Mount Washington! While connected, you will learn about climate and weather from the people who know it best: the hardy men and women living and working in the Observatory's legendary summit weather station.

Outreach Programs

Made possible by a generous grant from Subaru of America, the Mount Washington Observatory takes our Outreach Programs on the road! For outreach, we offer two sets of programs. The first set is designed for K-12 education and the second set is developed for those in the general public who wish to learn more about the work of the Mount Washington Observatory.

Partner-Led Climbing Trips

Mount Washington Observatory is proud to partner with several respected climbing schools to offer overnight expeditions to the summit of Mount Washington.

Weeks Act Centennial Lecture Series

A special guest lecture series commemorating the 100th anniversary of the passing of the Weeks Act. Held at the Weather Discovery Center on Tuesday nights in July and August, the free six-week series will explore the past, present and future of our White Mountains National Forest.

Science in the Mountains: A Passport to Science 2011

Our popular summer lecture series returns with a special local twist: The 2011 lineup includes experts exploring the biology, meteorology, history, snow science and even medical emergencies found and experienced right here in our very own White Mountains of New Hampshire. These free evening programs are held at the Weather Discovery Center on Wednesday nights in July and August.

Summit Adventures

Mount Washington Observatory Summit Adventures allow participants to explore the rugged landscape, rich history and extreme weather of New England's tallest peak. This unique two-day immersion in all things Mount Washington is led by Observatory staff. Each Summit Adventure includes transportation to and from the base of the mountain, overnight accommodations at the summit weather station and delicious, home-cooked meals.

Winter EduTrips

The Mount Washington Observatory EduTrip Program provides a rare opportunity for properly prepared individuals to travel to the summit in our snow tractor and spend a winter night on the summit of Mount Washington! On this journey you will learn from experienced instructors who teach courses pertinent to our mountain environment. Overnight accommodations are provided at the summit research facility of the Mount Washington Observatory.

Winter Daytrips

The mountain's summit is visited by a quarter-million people in summer, but its winter secrets are known only to a hardy few. You can join this special band through a Mount Washington Observatory Winter DayTrip.

Workshops

Workshops held in the Spring and Fall give participants the opportunity to learn about the geology of the northern White Mountain region, and about the history of geological exploration and understanding of the area.

Additional Learning Opportunities

The Weather Notebook

The Weather Notebook teaches the science of weather in a 2-minute, light-hearted look at weather fact and folklore. The Weather Notebook radio program is no longer being produced, however the archives are still available.

Gladys Brooks Memorial Library

Located in North Conway at the Weather Discovery Center, the Observatory's Gladys Brooks Memorial Library features a large collection of materials related to the White Mountains, the Arctic, and the Antarctic. It includes books, maps, prints, photographs, and artifactual material. Strongest holdings are in historical material, but the sciences are also represented. The Library is normally open on Thursdays from 10 to 5 (please call ahead to confirm hours), and by appointment. To make an appointment, contact Peter Crane, Curator, at (800) 706-0432 x203 or pcrane@mountwashington.org.

Additional programs may also be listed in our calendar of events.

For more information on the Observatory's Educational Programs, please contact:

Michelle Cruz, Director of Education
P.O. Box 2310 North Conway, NH 03860
(603) 356-2137 x 225
(800) 706-0432 x 225
FAX (603) 356-0307
Email us