ZOO new england will enhance visitor experience at both of its locations (franklin park ZOO and stone ZOO) by markedly increasing interpersonal interpretation through its connector program, which aims…

Grant Award Summary

Zoo New England received a $493,619 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028. The award supports the Connector Program, which enhances visitor experiences at both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo through expanded interpersonal interpretation and interactive educational offerings. The deliverables include the installation of conservation-focused discovery stations, development of interactive interpretive graphics and signage, and comprehensive interpretive training for staff and volunteers to effectively utilize the new stations and technology. These initiatives are designed to make educational content more accessible to visitors of all ages while fostering deeper engagement with conservation efforts focused on the African Savanna and Mongolian Steppe ecosystems.

The Museums for America program invests in museums of all sizes and disciplines through project-based funding to strengthen public service capacity. Successful projects, such as this award, demonstrate strategic alignment with institutional priorities, reflect current best practices in museum education and interpretation, and generate measurable outcomes directly tied to identified institutional needs. Zoo New England's project exemplifies the program's emphasis on lifelong learning and community engagement through interactive exhibits and professional development initiatives for museum staff.

ZOO new england will enhance visitor experience at both of its locations (franklin park ZOO and stone ZOO) by markedly increasing interpersonal interpretation through its connector program, which aims to connect ZOO staff and volunteers with ZOO visitors in an engaging, participatory manner. Conservation-focused discovery stations, interactive interpretive graphics and signage, interpretive training for staff and volunteers, and associated training on the use of the new stations and interactive technology will all contribute to making educational content more widely accessible and build more personal connections between staff and visitors. As a result, visitors of all ages will have a more interactive and meaningful experience and develop deeper understandings of the conservation efforts of the african savanna and mongolian steppe.