THE CATERPILLAR LAB

We've hosted the Caterpillar Lab twice at our museum. It’s a rare educational experience that engages all audiences and engages experts as well as novices. The caterpillars are amazing, and what makes everything work so well is the Caterpillar Lab staff’s ability to engage with people. They do a great job of helping people connect to the animals and answering questions at any level. What’s more is the discovery people make that the animals are all around us, here in New England!

Norwich, VT

The Caterpillar Lab staff are knowledgeable and excited about their field, and love to share with the public! Kids and adults alike love to explore hands on!  When we first got there, Aluna wouldn't go near the caterpillars and she'd jump away, but within 10-15 minutes, she was investigating them under the microscope and saying they're cool. She may not be comfortable enough to hold them, but I think she's learned that caterpillars are pretty neat critters. That's what The Caterpillar Lab is about.

Keene, NH​

The Caterpillar Lab has an overwhelming diversity of local caterpillar species that reveal an amazing wealth of adaptations and behaviors, but what really makes the Caterpillar Lab outstanding is their staff involvement with visitors. Caterpillar Lab staff are wonderfully knowledgeable and skillfully pull visitors to look closer at these animals and their amazing life histories - while meeting all visitors at their ability level. Every visitor leaves feeling that not only did they get to see caterpillars, but that they got a personal and up close introduction to these suddenly fascinating creatures.

Norwich, VT

Wandering around waiting for a table to open in the restaurant downstairs, we discovered The Caterpillar Lab. Our 7 year old daughter has been collecting caterpillars and various other insects for the last 4 years...caterpillars are her absolute favorite. Although they were not opening until 5/3/15, Sam was kind enough to open up and let us take a look at his work. He spoke about what he was doing, what happens at the Caterpillar Lab, and his own love of these nifty bugs. My daughter was in love. He was also kind enough to give us two cocoons to bring home. This place is so cool!

After we left, my daughter says, "Momma, Dad...I want to live and work there..." For us, that says it all. Thanks so much, Sam for letting us in & showing us all the amazing stuff going on at the Caterpillar Lab. We will see you very soon!

Deerfield, MA

Our visits from the Caterpillar Lab were a highlight for our campers this summer.  The team worked with us to develop caterpillar stations that connected to each camp group’s focus, and our staff and campers were entranced by the variety of adaptations and life strategies they saw.  The kids loved the opportunity to get close to and even touch some of the caterpillars in their small groups, and our staff of teacher naturalists was impressed by Liz and Jesse’s expertise and ability to connect with the campers.

Lincoln, MA

Your work inspires awe. Awe leads to care and concern. Adults and children who care will be motivated to protect the nature of Massachusetts. Your deep knowledge and love of caterpillars and your desire to share this knowledge makes you uniquely qualified to carry out this project. This project will take significant resources... We encourage anyone who cares about the nature of New England to contribute to your work and to the important task of creating a new generation of people who love nature and work to protect it.

Worcester, MA

A terrific inspiration and starting point for families as they begin to explore the natural world together;  the live demonstrations… provide an up-close and personal view of these common yet fascinating caterpillars…  enthusiasm is bound to infect our visitors and may well guide their next outdoor adventure.

Boston, MA

Sam Jaffe’s Caterpillar Lab is a wonderful presentation.  Being able to see so many diverse caterpillars close-up was the initial attraction, but then the added facilitation and interpretation provided Sam and his staff so added to the visitor’s experience and knowledge.  It is an educational treat for young and old!

Norwich, VT