Meet the 2009 Climbers
Learn more about the people who made the climb for the Museum of Science, and make a donation to support them today!
Find individual climber support links below, or support all of the climbers.
Dan Allred
When I moved to Boston a little over two years ago, one of the places I wanted to see most was the summit of Mount Washington, and since then, I have climbed the mountain several times. During our first summer in New England, my family was also falling in love with the Museum of Science in Boston. The Museum is a treasure for the region in much the same way Mount Washington is: its setting is naturally beautiful, and it is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of the natural world and educating future generations about science and nature. I have always been a supporter of programs and initiatives that encourage young people (and the young at heart) to explore these topics. As the husband of a former science teacher, and as a business person who has worked with entrepreneurs focused on scientific discovery and technology development, this is an area that I care a lot about. Please join me in supporting the Museum!
Anne-Marie Chouinard
Bradford Washburn had a thirst for discovery and adventure, and he realized the importance of getting people interested in things at an early age. I have fond memories of coming to the Museum as a little girl when the dinosaur exhibit first opened and of sleeping overnight in the Theater of Electricity with other Girl Scouts! It was due in part to this early exposure that I got hooked into the discovery of how things work. I decided to further my education in science and later began a career in technology. As an adult, I realize the importance of the Museum's work in the community in the areas of science, engineering, and mathematics. I already support the Museum's outreach by volunteering with my colleagues from Accenture, and I hope that by climbing Mount Washington, my fundraising efforts will help develop future opportunities for children to benefit from the Museum, just like I did.
Rachel DeMaster
For a child growing up in the Boston area, the Museum of Science was the perfect place to learn, play, and ultimately develop my innate curiosity about the natural world. My family actively helped foster this sense of wonder through our regular hiking trips to the White Mountains; by the time I was 11, I had successfully hiked all 48 of New Hampshire's "4,000-footers." When presented with the opportunity to join the Museum staff over two years ago, I did not hesitate for a moment. It simply had to be fate that I would return to the Museum as an adult to carry on the mission of Museum founder Brad Washburn, the same man who literally and figuratively helped map a course of discovery for me during my formative years. I am joining this year's Washburn Climb as a way of saying thank you to Brad for the impact he unknowingly had in my life and to ensure that his legacy and vision are carried on well into the future.
Dale Edmunds
The Museum of Science has always been a big part of my life, beginning with visits as a child to view and interact with the many exhibits, and later returning as a parent with our three children to observe and enjoy their excitement as they learned more about the world around them. The Museum has provided wonderful experiences for our family, and I would like to give something back in return. When Mike Thonis approached me to join him for the Washburn Climb, how could I say no? The opportunity to spend a day doing something I love (hiking) and raising money for an organization doing a fabulous job with its hands-on approach to science was too good to pass up. Please join me in supporting the Museum of Science. Thank you.
Matt Fates
The Museum of Science in Boston means a great deal to me. I am proud to be the vice chair of the Young Leadership Committee and fundraiser for its incredible work to develop the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. The Museum produces extraordinary exhibits and excellent educational programs and is one of the nation's premier educational portals. It is not only an exhibit hall; as the home for the National Center for Technological Literacy®, it is both a local and world force for science literacy and enlightenment. The Museum's mission of improving the quality of science and engineering education is critical to keeping the United States out front in innovation and discovery. Without smart engineers, doctors, and scientists for tomorrow, who will pick up the important work we are starting today in so many ground-breaking areas? The Museum of Science has an important role to play and I hope you will support its incredible work.
Eric Nelson
This climb is a natural fit for me. I've lived in the Boston area with my family since 1996, and one reason I love it here is the easy access to cultural institutions and the White Mountains. "Work hard, play hard," has always been my mantra, and in building my own architectural firm, frequent recharging has been vital. In my opinion, two of the best places in New England to decompress and learn something new are the Museum of Science and Mount Washington. My wife and I have been enthusiastic Museum members ever since our son was old enough to totter up to the water table in the Discovery Center. I also love the fact that this is the "Washburn" climb. Brad and Barbara Washburn are some of my personal heroes. I have a beautiful Washburn print of Mount Washington hanging in my kitchen. It even shows the same face of the mountain that we'll be climbing!
Mike Thonis
Two years ago, I undertook the first-ever double climb of Mount Washington in honor of my late dad. He was a life-long believer in the Museum of Science, first as an orphan in South Boston and later as an engineer who would make the day-long trip to the Museum annually with my siblings and me. Last year, five climbers made the double trek and formally named the event in honor of the late Brad Washburn. Brad directed the Museum for 40 years, authored the definitive hiking map of Mount Washington as well as that of the Grand Canyon, climbed all of Alaska's highest peaks, and was a renowned outdoor photographer. This year, I plan to honor the inspiring staff of the Museum with my double climb. They present science, math, and engineering in the most exciting, innovative, and imaginative ways possible. Without their intellect, humor, and dedicated work ethic, the Museum would not be the world-class institution that it is today.