ABSTRACT
In 2005, Cape Cod Children’s Museum in Mashpee, Massachusetts, developed the Little Sprouts Kids’ Garden in partnership with Coonamessett Farm, a farm and research enterprise located in nearby East Falmouth. This case study article describes how the museum and farm partner to create programming that connects children to the agricultural heritage of Cape Cod. Little Sprouts Kids’ Garden is a hands-on informal learning program that focuses on gardening and farm experiences for children 3 to 10 years of age. Children participate in organic gardening and learn about good nutrition, the value of local sustainable agriculture, and the rhythms of the natural world. A summary of how this program has impacted the local community is included, and tips on how other children’s museums might replicate this program are outlined.
