Discovery Center

A valued educational area of the Fair that serves up topical seminars on foods, farming, home & garden care, and more. There are also interactive displays and demonstrations by experienced, knowledgeable experts in their respective fields.

Located in the south end of the T Barn.

2024 Exhibitors

  • The American Chestnut Foundation - CT Chapter
    TACF volunteers will be at the fair all weekend to answer your questions and tell you about our work in to bring back blight resistant Chestnut trees to our Connecticut forests
  • CT Rockhounds
    Fossil History of the Earth, Meteorites & Geology and Fossil Specimens
  • Xavier Robotics
    Local Xavier high schoolers demonstrate a variety of self-built robots
  • Mercy Robotics
    Local Mercy high schoolers demonstrate a variety of self-built robots
  • CT DEEP Wildlife
    Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Wildlife Division mission is to advance the conservation, use, and appreciation of Connecticut's wildlife resources.
  • Hammonasset Chapter, Trout Unlimited, Inc.
    Coldwater Fisheries Conservation, Fly Tying, and Trout in the Classroom
  • Master Gardeners Haddam
    Master Gardeners will inform the public about the program and what they have to offer
  • Wesleyan Potters
    Wesleyan Potters, Inc. is a non-profit cooperative guild founded in 1948 to promote the learning and development of skills in crafts. Not just pottery, Wesleyan Potters offers classes in three different media: weaving, metalsmithing and ceramics. The weaving studio is equipped with thirty looms. The fully- equipped metalsmithing studio has recently acquired new enameling kilns. The pottery studio is equipped with eighteen pottery wheels, two slab rollers, two extruders, two glazing booths, and generous working space and tools for hand building. Additionally, the studio has two gas kilns, seven electric kilns for bisque ware, a raku kiln and a soda kiln. Student work is high fired to cone 10; Students have the opportunity to participate in raku firings occasionally.
  • Kat Owens, Artist and Professor at University of Hartford
    Plastic pollution is turned into artwork; artwork will be on display while Kat and her helpers sew a life sized cow artwork piece from plastic pollution during fair hours.
  • Back Yard Beekeeper Association
    Individual beekeepers will bring an observation hive, and perhaps some honey for tasting.
  • NatureWorks
    All about butterflies!
THURSDAY, September 26, 2024
Fair Hours: 4PM–10PM
4:30–6:30 PM The Children’s Museum of CT
Now celebrating their 95th year, The Children's Museum Group (TCMG) includes The Children's Museum, Roaring Brook Nature Center, and The Children's Museum Preschool. Investigate the effects of air pressure using a vacuum chamber through demonstrations and experimentation with The Children’s Museum and come meet animals from Roaring Brook Nature Center!
5–7   Pam Leffert of Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue bring opossums to The Discovery Center!
Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue is committed to providing a public service by offering skilled care for distressed wildlife. The goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to provide professional care to sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals so that ultimately, they can be returned to their natural habitat. They hold a license through the CT DEEP to care for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. They hold a Federal USDA Permit to house educational/ambassador animals, and also hold permits to present educational programs in CT, MA, and RI.
FRIDAY, September 27, 2024
Fair Hours: 9AM–10PM
all day   Astronomical Society of New Haven
The Astronomical Society of New Haven, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) (3), scientific and educational organization which fosters new and continuing interest in amateur astronomy. The general membership meetings are open to the public. ASNH will be sharing their meteorite collection with the public and discussing club activities.

Shoreline Astronomical Society (weather permitting)
The Shoreline Astronomical Society (SAS) was founded to connect our local, shoreline communities to the night sky. They will bring a solar observation telescope for viewing the sun in a safe manner. Come explore the sun!
9–6 AM The CT Science Center
Explore the Wonders of Space with the Connecticut Science Center at the Durham Fair! Join us for an out-of-this-world experience as the Connecticut Science Center brings the cosmos to the Durham Fair with our Space-Based Programs! Dive into the mysteries of the universe through our interactive live programming designed to captivate and educate visitors of all ages. What to Expect:
  • Interactive Live Demonstrations: Engage with hands-on activities and demonstrations that bring space exploration to life. From exploring the surface of distant planets to understanding the forces that shape our galaxy, our programs make learning about space both fun and fascinating.
  • Stellar Presentations: Enjoy dynamic presentations from our expert educators who will share incredible insights into astronomy, space missions, and the latest discoveries in space science.
  • Engaging Activities: Participate in interactive challenges, craft your own star maps, and experience simulated space missions. Our activities are designed to spark curiosity and ignite a passion for science.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Our programs are tailored to be enjoyable for all ages, making it the perfect outing for families and curious minds alike.
  • Don't miss this chance to journey beyond the stars with the Connecticut Science Center at the Durham Fair. Whether you're a budding astronaut or simply love learning about the universe, our space-based programs will provide a memorable and inspiring experience.
11:00   Stellar Zombies: Carol B. Ivers, the Planetarium Director of the Department of Geological Sciences at CCSU
Carol B. Ivers is the Planetarium and Observatory Director and adjunct astronomy/geology professor at Central CT State University in New Britain, CT. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Earth Science from CCSU and a master’s degree in Planetary Geology from the University of Massachusetts. An active outdoor enthusiast and observational astronomer, Carol specializes in bringing her hands on experiences to others while engaging in public outreach focused on the natural sciences
12:00 PM Ancient Egyptian Astronomy: John & Colleen Darnell
Durham’s very own accomplished Egyptologists will share with fairgoers their knowledge about Ancient Egyptian Astronomy.
1:00   Stars and Agriculture: Jeff Dunn, President of The Shoreline Astronomical Society
Stars and Agriculture: A Timeless Connection, the constellations of the different seasons and what they have meant historically to agriculture cycles such as planting, harvesting, weather, and other phenomena
2:00   What’s New with Invasive Plants: Gail Reynolds of the Master Gardeners
3:00   Maple Syrup Production in CT: Buster Scranton from Maple Producers Association of CT
SATURDAY, September 28, 2024
Fair Hours: 9AM–10PM
10:00 AM Plastic Waste Art: Kat Owens, local artist & professor at University of Hartford, will presentpresent on Plastic Waste Art
10–3   Beardsley Zoo
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has a proud history of over 100 years as Connecticut’s only Zoo. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, we are committed to the preservation of endangered animals and are actively developing strategies that will protect species and preserve their wild habitats. Through education, conservation, research and guest experience, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo provides a wonderfully wild experience for students and families. Come learn about all the Beardsley Zoo has to offer: Educational Programs, Career Exploration, Zoo Explorers Program, and more!
12:00 PM Oceanography Trivia Game: Lorrie Martin & Becky Gladych
1:00   Electric Vehicles: Andrew Kasznay, Electrical Engineer
2:00   Think Outside the Bait Box: Christine Cummings of A Place Called Hope
POISON IS POISON, NO SUCH THING AS A SAFE POISON. Please join us for a presentation addressing the hazards of choosing poisons to mis-manage nuisance rodent problems. Learn why poisons don't solve the problem, and who benefits from their use. Learn about the dangers these methods pose upon our own health, our pets, and our predatory wildlife. Learn how to apply long term strategies that solve the issue once and for all. Learn how you can help others to THINK OUTSIDE THE BAIT BOX and choose safe, non-toxic alternatives instead of poisons.
3:00   Egyptian Hieroglyphs: John & Colleen Darnell
Durham’s very own accomplished Egyptologists will share with fairgoers their knowledge about Egyptian Hieroglyphs.
4:00   Black Bears of CT: Paul Benjunas of CT DEEP Wildlife
SUNDAY, September 29, 2024
Fair Hours: 9AM–6PM
all day   STEAM Experiments & Demonstrations
CaSondra Maass will run small STEAM activities throughout the day in the Discovery Center. Come use a microscope and try your hand at one of the activities!
10:00 AM Meteorites, Tektites, and Impactites—Objects from Space: Bob Reynolds of CT Rockhounds
Objects from Space - inside & outside earth's atmosphere; on the earth's surface, and man-made!
11:00   Planting to Attract Pollinators: Diane St John of NatureWorks
12:00 PM Beekeeping: Allan Poole
1:00   Sherry Harmon of Nutmeg Acres Wildlife Rehab brings an opossum mascot to The Discovery Center!
Since 2002, Nutmeg Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation has been a home-based, non-profit, organization dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals in Connecticut. They hold a permit through the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
3:00   Metal Detecting: John Benton