Galileo Galilei, the Starry Messenger is an educational and interactive historical presentation organised by New Hampshire Humanities and hosted by the Wolfeboro Historical Society.

Presented by Michael Francis, the programme brings the famous Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei to life through a dramatic performance inspired by his historic scientific treatise Sidereus Nuncius (The Starry Messenger).

During the presentation, the performer appears in a seventeenth-century costume as Galileo and delivers a public lecture about his groundbreaking astronomical discoveries using his newly developed telescope.

The programme explores Galileo’s observations of the Moon, Jupiter’s moons and other celestial discoveries, highlighting how his innovative methods of observation and measurement transformed scientific understanding of the universe.

Audience members are actively involved through experiments, demonstrations and interactive activities. Following the presentation, participants can ask questions about Galileo’s scientific discoveries, personal life and historical period.

The event offers an engaging learning experience for students, educators, history enthusiasts and members of the public interested in astronomy, science and the history of scientific discovery.