We envision a peaceful and connected world.
Our mission is to bring the world to New England's doorstep by providing extraordinary programs and celebrations of world cultures.

We opened our doors July 1, 2002 in the historic Baptist Church Building in Peterborough.  Our founders who were educators, collectors and world travellors created the Mariposa as a hands-on museum of folk art. We have an important commitment to schoolchildren who come as a class to learn about various cultures and celebrations comprehensively and interactively. We also do outreach to the schools, libraries, senior residences and other organizations. In addition, our exhibitions, performances and programs reach audiences of all ages including those who attend our twice yearly Senior Series. 

We are also a welcome venue for community meetings and private celebrations.  

One of our favorite events that happens almost every year is a visit of several days by the Tibetan Monks, who introduce the community to their rituals and create a wonderful sand mandela over the several days of their visit.  The final day, when the mandela is swept up, we have a parade with the monks down to the river to return the sand to nature. 

These last 4 months we have been celebrating the northern Mediterranean which has included an exhibition, a concert by the International Mandolin Academy, Carlo Aonzo, director, A Dance Tour of Greece--Boston Lykeion Ellinidon, and Dunya--Music of the Ottoman Empire plus lectures and a Senior Series on different aspects of those cultures. 

Email contact: admin@mariposamuseum.org or info@mariposamuseum.org.  For our education programs: education@mariposamuseum.org or by phone for general information to Mose Olenik at 603-924-4555. All of our information is also on our website at www.mariposamuseum.org