Check-in will begin at 12:30 and the program will begin at 1pm.
*This program is geared to children in late elementary school and early middle school grades.

Inventing has changed a lot over the last century since our founder, John Hays Hammond Jr. began his illustrious career, but many of the fundamentals remain the same. Hammond Castle Museum is delighted to partner with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in presenting a new event: Inventors Day.

The event is inspired by one of Hammond’s inventions: “Seleno,” the world’s first robotic dog, which was controlled by a beam of light. During this two hour-long STEM program, competitors will group into teams with the goal to construct their own light-controlled robot. Each team will be given a robot kit to assemble as well as additional components and electronics to modify and improve upon the core design. The teams will then compete in a series of scored challenges using their robots. Each member of the winning team will receive an award and special recognition across Hammond Castle Museum’s social media platforms as well as its website. Winners also may enjoy all the bragging rights they could want as they may consider themselves a member of the Museum’s exclusive list of inventors.
Chaperones are required to remain with their child/ren during this program.

*This ticket grants you access to the Inventors Day competition which will be held in the Great Hall, as well as access to the Museum Shop. At the time of this event, the Museum will be closed to tours. If participants wish to tour Hammond Castle Museum on the day of this event, Self-Guided Tour tickets may be purchased in the Museum Shop at a 20% discount. Last tours will begin at 12:00 pm. Proof of purchase of the Inventors Day competition will be required. All proceeds from this program will support the restoration and preservation of the 13th-century French cloister arches which are located at the front of the Museum.