October 9, 2025

As spring fades and fall arrives, excitement builds with the return of farmers’ markets. For me, these markets are more than a place to buy fresh food — they’re a chance for the Museum to connect with the community, spark curiosity about science, and show up in spaces where people already gather. After four years, I’ve seen how powerful it is to bring science into these not-so-typical places.

I started this journey in 2022 as an Education Fellow, eager but nervous, especially about public speaking. Over time, I grew more confident, and my interests started to take shape. Food security kept calling me, and the Durham Farmers’ Market became the perfect space to explore it. At first, our activities focused on nature — like foraging, observing during the BioBlitz, or learning about seeds and compost. But by fall, the focus shifted naturally toward food, health, and science. One of the most-loved activities? Making your own tea blend — still a favorite among families and Sprouts today.

Speaking of Sprouts — they’re some of my favorite visitors. The Sprouts Club helps young people learn about food by engaging with farmers, composting, and more. After participating, each child gets five “Sprout Bucks” to spend at the market, empowering them to make choices and connect with food in a meaningful way. Watching them grow over the years — taller, more confident, yet always smiling — has been such a joy.

Our work expanded to the Black Farmers’ Market, an open space uplifting Black farmers and providing fresh produce in communities with limited access to grocery stores. Being there underscored the importance of showing up where people gather. Some visitors are hesitant to stop by, while others are excited to see the Museum in their space. Either way, these moments spark real conversations — sometimes about science, sometimes about life — and that’s where trust is built.

Across both markets, I’ve connected with nearly 3,000 people. The most common feedback I hear is: “It’s so great seeing the Museum here!” For me, that’s what it’s all about — creating opportunities for curiosity, conversation, and connection. Farmers’ markets are vibrant community spaces, and it’s an honor to bring a little science to the mix.