History of the Climb
In 2007, Museum Trustee Michael G. Thonis created the Washburn Climb as a unique fundraiser for the Museum of Science. Michael asked family and friends to support him in a personal challenge to climb Mount Washington -- the highest peak in the Northeast -- twice in one day. Although there are other sponsored climbs of this mountain, the Museum of Science is the only organization to arrange a double climb and a one-day Presidential Range traverse.
Thonis chose this particular mountain because of its close connection with the Museum's late founding director, Bradford Washburn. Remembered for his achievements as a cartographer, mountaineer, photographer, and pilot, as well as visionary Museum leader, Washburn created a map of Mount Washington that is still used by climbers today.
In 2011, we celebrated the fifth anniversary of the climb with record-breaking participation. Additionally, the Presidential Range traverse hikers set a new fastest time.
Previous climbs:
