Bench Dedication

Celebrate a loved one or a special event by dedicating a bench along the Gephart Trail at the Science Center, and support the mission of the Science Center by making a tax-deductible contribution of $5,000 over one to two years.

Bench Dedications to the Science Center are unrestricted gifts intended to support the Science Center's mission to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire's natural world. The gift covers the cost of creating and installing the plaque and maintaining the bench for 10 years. Bench donations may be renewed at the rate of $5,000 for additional 10-year increments. If a bench must be replaced or removed, the Science Center staff will try to notify the donor and an alternative option will be determined.

The Development staff will work with each donor to select an appropriate bench. A limited number of benches are available on a first come, first-served basis. The bench must be selected and placed on hold with a member of the Development staff prior to the contribution being made. A bench may be held for up to 10 business days while the donor coordinates the contribution. Once the Science Center receives a contribution of at least $2,500, the Science Center will install a personalized plaque on the bench of your choosing as soon as possible as allowed by the season and availability of Facilities staff. Plaque production takes six to eight weeks. Installations may be delayed, especially during winter months. Donors will be notified after the plaque installation is completed.

Dedication plaques include three lines (40 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation). The first line must read "in honor / memory of" followed by a customizable message and names. Bench recognition plaques will typically be 10" x 3" with 1/4'" lettering. Wording is subject to approval.

If you'd like to reserve your bench or would like more information about this special opportunity, please get in touch with Development Director Rachel Saliba at 603-968-7194 x126 or rachel.saliba@nhnature.org

A sample bench, dedicated to Mr George Gurney

Sarah Hatfield, 10/05/23
I have grown up going to the science center and never realized how lucky I have been to experience it until I had the opportunity to take my son here. As a parent it's such an incredible experience to see young children explore and become familiar with the natural world. It's fun, it's exciting for kids and adults (who doesn't want to be one glass pane away from amazing mountain lions!?), it's educational and it takes a solid two hours of a two and a half year old running at full speed to get through the whole path and playgrounds. Thank you Squam Lake for the perfect toddler naps.
Charles Blair, 07/22/24
Paul Thome, 08/05/24
Was great, my son and I really enjoyed it. They have animal exhibits, play areas for kids, up close and personal experiences with different animals where they bring them into a room and talk about them and just a lot of cool things to learn along your walk down the trail!
Christopher James, 08/31/24
Such a cool local experience!
Brianna Gray, 05/30/22
We came here with our three kids who are 2, 3, and 5. The trail was relaxing and easy, even for little toddler legs and two adults who don't work out consistently. The animals all looked healthy and well taken care of. Their habitats were very impressive. Glad we came and will go again in the future.