October 2, 2024

Sundial Installation in Honor of Peter Crosby

St. Johnsbury, VT – The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium and Passumpsic Bank are excited to announce the opening of the new Peter F. Crosby Sundial Classroom, an outdoor educational space featuring a stunning analemmatic sundial designed by renowned sundial artist Robert Adzema. This beautifully crafted installation, located in the museum’s courtyard, is made from three types of Vermont granite and was installed by Alfred Dedham of Old Goat Masonry out of Peacham, Vermont.  The Sundial will serve as a dynamic learning tool for both school and public programs for decades to come.

The sundial, which relies on the position of a person’s shadow to mark the time, offers visitors a hands-on way to engage with astronomy and mathematics. The Peter F. Crosby Sundial Classroom is named in honor of Peter F. Crosby, the former president of Passumpsic Bank, whose long-standing support of education and local organizations helped make countless community initiatives possible. The sundial was generously funded by Passumpsic Bank in tribute to Crosby’s legacy.

“We are thrilled to open this unique space, which blends art, science, and natural beauty,” said Adam Kane, Executive Director of the Fairbanks Museum. “This sundial not only honors Peter Crosby’s remarkable contributions to our community but also provides an exciting, interactive way for visitors to explore the wonders of timekeeping and astronomy.”

Reflecting on Crosby’s legacy, Jim Kisch, current President of Passumpsic Bank, added, “Peter is deeply committed to supporting the growth and development of our community. The Peter F. Crosby Sundial Classroom is a fitting tribute to his dedication, and we are proud to honor him with this lasting gift that will inspire future generations.”

The Peter F. Crosby Sundial Classroom will play a key role in the museum’s educational offerings, with programs designed for all ages, from school groups to the general public. It will also serve as a peaceful outdoor area for reflection and learning, highlighting Vermont’s natural stonework and celebrating the state’s connection to science and art.

The dedication ceremony will occur on October 4 at noon in the Fairbanks Museum courtyard, where representatives from the Fairbanks Museum and Passumpsic Bank will honor Peter Crosby’s legacy.

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About Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium

Located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium was founded in 1891 by industrialist and philanthropist Franklin Fairbanks, whose vision of a public museum with a strong educational component is upheld today. The mission of the Museum is to “inspire wonder, curiosity and responsibility for the natural world.”

About Passumpsic Bank

Founded in 1853, Passumpsic Bank is a community bank with 11 strong branches, proudly serving the Northeast Kingdom, Central Vermont, and New Hampshire’s North Country. With a 170+ year history, Passumpsic Bank prides itself on an unwavering commitment to improving the social and economic growth of the communities it serves.

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For more information, contact:

Anna Rubin, Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, arubin@fairbanksmuseum.org, (802) 748-2372

Barbara Hatch, bhatch@passumpsicbank.com, Passumpsic Bank, (802) 751-4215