ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont’s only planetarium and the town of St. Johnsbury are gearing up for the Great American Eclipse.
The Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium has been an integral part of downtown St. Johnsbury since the late 1800s. So, needless to say, it’s taking a leading role in this once-in-a-lifetime event.
The interactive exhibits at the museum are what Ethan William Kallberg of Morrisville likes the most.
“I really love the polar bear. That thing is awesome,” said Kallberg, 12.
The newest exhibit spotlighting the coming total solar eclipse is an engaging learning opportunity.
“It’s going to be completely dark. The moon is going to cover the sun entirely,” Kallberg said.
The museum includes the region’s only public planetarium where additional eclipse presentations are underway with planetarium director Mark Breen.
“I’ve known for decades that this is happening and suddenly it’s here,” Breen said.
The new science annex opened just in time. Additional education tables and crafts are in the works for the historic event that falls right in line with the organization’s mission.
“The scientific part of it but also the experience of it,” Breen said.
“We are really going to emphasize safety to make sure that everyone who wants to come and experience the eclipse knows how to protect themselves, especially their eyes,” said Anna Rubin of the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium.
Part of Main Street will be closed on April 8 to accommodate a party hosted by various community partners.
“Catamount Arts, the Athenaeum, St. Johnsbury Academy and our downtown organization,” Rubin noted.
“We are really excited to be working with them to support some of the parking and logistical and infrastructure needs that are going to be cropping up as a result of the visitation we are expecting,” said Gillian Sewake, the director of Discover St. Johnsbury.
Thousands of visitors are expected in this town alone. The goal is to make sure everyone leaves happy.
“A lot of things that are here in our small community that are worth visiting even when there is not a huge eclipse event,” Sewake said.
Kallberg is ready.
“Definitely going to check it out,” he said.
While this region of the state will only be in darkness for about 90 seconds, the block party will be celebrating the event all day long.