Saturday, September 14, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Trailside’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
1959 was a big year. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation making Alaska and Hawaii states, the modern car seat belt was introduced, the first computer microchip was patented, and children began playing with Barbie dolls and the board game “Risk.”
And 1959 was also when Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton first opened its doors. For the last 60 years, the Museum has continued to introduce visitors to the nature of Massachusetts and serve as a gateway to the Blue Hills.
Bring the whole family to Trailside Museum for a celebration of everything the sanctuary has accomplished in the past 60 years! Enjoy free admission all day as well as:
- up-close encounters with live animals
- special exhibits
- engaging programs for all ages
In 1974, Mass Audubon took over management of the Museum from the Commonwealth. We also renovated the old harbor defense command post on the summit of Chickatawbut Hill and converted it into an environmental education facility—now known as the Norman Smith Environmental Education Center.
Trailside continues to grow and evolve. Over the years, changes have included the addition of an auditorium wing; redesigned indoor exhibits and outdoor animal enclosures; the creation of a native wildflower garden; and modifications to make the Museum welcoming and accessible to all.
And in 2019, construction began on a project to completely rebuild the otter exhibit as a beautiful, naturalistic setting that improves animal care and our visitors’ experiences. For more information visit www.massaudubon.org.
