The EcoTarium in Worcester, MA, Announces Extensive Development Plans

The EcoTarium Announces Extensive Development Plans - Top Floor to be completed in 2010 - Guest experience to include virtual trip up Mt. Washington, category-1 hurricane simulator, weather demonstrations and more - Early fundraising includes $1 Million contribution from The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation to Strengthen Ties to Local Schools

WORCESTER, Mass., October 19, 2009 -The EcoTarium, New England's largest and most popular science and nature center, today announced plans to significantly enhance its exhibits, wildlife habitats, educational and family programming, as well as amenities, creating an unmatched experience for its guests. The EcoTarium unveiled its "Third Century Plan" at its bi-annual gala auction, and announced early support for its fundraising efforts, with a gift of $1 million from The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Inc., adding to the more than $1.3 million already raised. The Third Century Plan is named in recognition of the center's approaching 200th birthday, in 2025. The plan includes $35 million in investments and upgrades that will be implemented in four distinct phases-all with the purpose of enhancing learning opportunities and the experience of inquiry, discovery and exploration in the physical and natural sciences. Setting the Stage for Growth Today's announcement follows several years of intense planning and progress at the EcoTarium. These efforts have set the stage for the organization's continued growth as a dynamic learning and educational resource for students and teachers, and a fun, family-oriented attraction that serves the entire region.

Under the leadership of Stephen M. Pitcher, who has served as its president since 2005, the EcoTarium has laid the foundation for this important expansion. In recent years, the organization has invested in the guest experience, including a nearly one million dollar investment to improve the planetarium-making it the first publicly accessible full dome digital planetarium in Massachusetts; more interactive exhibits; the purchase of two new exhibits that engage the public in both indoor and outdoor experiences; more family-friendly events; and a newly refurbished Animal Corner and Bird House; and wildlife, including otters. These improvements have resulted in an increase in visitors each year for the past three years.

The EcoTarium also is on target to meet its financial goals for the fifth consecutive year. "We are thrilled to be launching our Third Century Plan today," said Stephen Pitcher, president of the EcoTarium. "Each phase of this effort represents a dramatic step forward for our organization. Each phase better positions us to deliver on our commitment to inspire a passion for science and nature through discovery and to create an experience unrivaled by any other science and nature center. With this expansion, we will continue our long, proud tradition of serving our members and the people of Central New England." Creating a World Class Learning Experience When the Third Century Plan is completed, the EcoTarium will feature four new iconic exhibits: creating mountain, forest, water and urban environments and experiences for guests. Taken together, these interactive exhibits will provide families with countless new ways to learn about science and nature through hands-on exploration.

Phase One of The Third Century Plan, with a fundraising goal of $8.2 million, is already under way. The top floor expansion-a major component of Phase One- is expected to be completed by late 2010. The renovated space will enable guests to envision themselves standing on the top of Mount Washington, New England's highest peak and home to some of the most severe weather in the world. As part of this experience, visitors will be able to step out on a glass floor ledge, looking over the museum's landscape as if they are on top of a mountain. At the same time, by looking outward through the museum's three-story glass wall, guests will experience the panoramic views of the center's natural surroundings-an experience that invites both indoor and outdoor exploration. Through a virtual trip up Mt. Washington guests will envision themselves driving up the auto road and cog railway during two different seasons. This experience will introduce guests to the unique conditions and different life zones supported on the mountain. When entering a phone booth sized, hurricane simulator, guests will experience the fury and sound of category one hurricane-force winds. A spin browser will allow guests to explore and learn about New England's notoriously fickle weather. Guests will be able to look out the Ecotarium's three-story rear courtyard window while taking in archived views from the same window, showing the changing weather and seasons. A live Doppler image of Massachusetts will also be available, allowing visitors to see what kind of weather is coming our way. A climbing wall and faux-boulders, where visitors of all ages can test their mountaineering skills and balance. Rocks and minerals of the types found on Mt. Washington will be embedded in the climbing wall, and very young children can step carefully from "safe-rock to safe-rock," painted on the floor, taking care not to step on the delicate alpine fauna found at the mountain's summit. In addition, Phase One of the plan also will bring upgraded guest amenities, added shade and seating at the EcoTarium's "sundial plaza, site of the EcoTarium's popular Jazz-at-Sunset performance series," added wayfinding and signage, improvements to the power plant and exploration into alternative energy options, and a branding initiative to further build membership and attendance.

Community Partners Support Education and Local Economy The EcoTarium recently began fundraising efforts, gaining early commitments from numerous supporters, including The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, EcoTarium Trustees and other foundations. "The Hanover is proud to be partner to the EcoTarium as it plans for its third century of service to our community," said Fred Eppinger, chief executive officer of The Hanover Insurance Group. "More than ever, when science and math play such an important role in our economy, the EcoTarium is a vitally important resource to our city and our region. We look forward to helping develop and sustain exciting new learning opportunities for our families and our children, as well as teaching opportunities for professional educators." Building on a Rich History When it was founded in 1825 as the Worcester Lyceum of Natural History, it was six years before Charles Darwin's historic voyage, nine years before the term "scientist" was coined, and 40 years before the founding of the American Museum of Natural History. Over nearly two centuries of service to the community, the EcoTarium has been an essential resource in the education infrastructure of Central Massachusetts. Indeed, a visit to the EcoTarium has become a well-loved tradition for students, teachers and families from throughout the region, who come to be inspired, challenged, fascinated and educated by the EcoTarium's unique combination of accessible, science-based content and hands-on learning exhibits. The organization and facility have continuously evolved and grown to meet the educational needs of a region and economy that is heavily invested in and reliant upon a workforce highly skilled in the sciences, technology, engineering and math.

Today, as it looks forward to beginning its third century of service, the EcoTarium seeks to build on its commitment to the community and its legacy of inspiring wonder, fostering intellectual inquiry, and nurturing scientific literacy. About The EcoTariumEcoTarium, A Museum of Science & Nature, offers three floors of interactive exhibits, wildlife habitats, interpretive nature trails, Massachusetts' first digital planetarium, and a narrow-gauge railroad. The museum, located at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester, Mass., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, college students and children ages 3-18. Parking is free. For information, visit www.ecotarium.org, call (508) 929-2700 or email info@ecotarium.org.

About The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation: The mission of The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Inc. is to improve the quality of life in communities where The Hanover Insurance Group companies have a major presence, placing a special emphasis on helping to build world class public education systems and inspiring and empowering youth to achieve their full potential. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., based in Worcester, Mass. is a leading provider of auto, home and business insurance in Massachusetts. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, also based in Worcester; Citizens Insurance Company of America, headquartered in Howell, Mich., and their affiliates. The Hanover offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to individuals, families and businesses through an extensive network of independent agents, and has been meeting its obligations to its agent partners and their customers for more than 150 years. Taken as a group, The Hanover ranks among the top 30 property and casualty insurers in the United States. For more information, please visit www.hanover.com.

Contact: Liz Foxwell, Manager of Marketing and Communications, 508-929-2738, lfoxwell@ecotarium.org.