The Lutz Children's Museum is a non-profit organization offering hands-on exhibits, live animals, classes, concerts, trips, special events, school outreach and a nature center. The organization was founded on March 4, 1953 and named in honor of Hazel P. Lutz. Today it offers programs in the fine and performing arts, history, and natural sciences. A staff of dedicated curators deliver extraordinary programs that stimulate the learner’s senses and promote a love of learning. They use live animals or real artifacts in every program. All educational programs are aligned with state educational standards, grade-level curriculum, and the museum philosophy of hands-on learning. The museum is well known for their educational services, summer science camp, Farm Day summer festival and as the home of the official Connecticut State Groundhog.