The Montessori Event 2025: Exhibitions and Events Showcasing our Legacy of Innovation in the Past, Present, and Future
The anticipation is building for thousands educators around the world preparing to attend the 2025 AMS Event, Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation, which commemorates the American Montessori Society’s 65th year with an outstanding lineup of voices from the Montessori community; workshops and in-focus sessions; school tours; and special exhibitions and events. In Part Two of our series previewing The Event, we highlight three special exhibitions and events.
The AMS Legacy of Innovation Hall
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a timeline of AMS’s legacy through an interactive museum honoring sixty-five years of history(1960-2025). The American Montessori Society’s rich past will be showcased through an exhibition of rare artifacts, vintage materials, photographs, and other highlights representing the ongoing impact of AMS on both Montessori and mainstream education. Additionally, “the 2025-Beyond exhibit spotlights the visionaries shaping the future, alongside tributes to the unsung heroes and volunteers who have supported AMS throughout the decades.” The Legacy of Innovation Hall, celebrating the past achievements of AMS and previewing the future, is not to be missed! Admission to the museum is included with conference registration.
Soaring Roots: The 65th Annual Gala
More than a Saturday night out for dinner, dancing, and live entertainment, the AMS 65th Annual Gala will feature “celebratory remarks and tributes from past and current AMS influencers, a live auction, and presentations of AMS Lifetime Achievement and AMS Impact Medals.” Traditionally known as the Springtime Fancy, this year’s Gala will take place on Saturday, March 15, coinciding with the annual conference. We invite you to connect with former executive directors, board presidents, board members, commissioners, and other supporters who have made key contributions to the mission and work of AMS. The Gala “is an occasion to celebrate our rich history, honor the pivotal figures who have shaped our organization, and eagerly showcase exciting developments currently unfolding at AMS.” Join us for a night of fun, entertainment, and celebration of our shared legacy!
The Future Montessori Classroom
At the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, the Montessori Glass Classroom exhibition allowed visitors to observe the work of children and teachers in a Montessori Early Childhood setting. The room was spacious, but cozy and functional with child-size furniture. Beautiful materials, purposefully arranged on low shelves, encouraged independent activity and exploration. Visitors were enchanted, many returning day after day to observe the “miracle children” (aged 2-1/2 to 6 years) who concentrated deeply, solved problems independently and self-confidently, and demonstrated satisfaction when their task was accomplished. The success of the Glass Classroom exhibit was instrumental in advancing Montessori education in the United States.
One-hundred ten years later, AMS is proud to present The Future Montessori Classroom. Inspired by its 1915 predecessor, the classroom will showcase how technology and AI is responsibly integrated with hands-on learning and other time-honored Montessori methods. “Watch Montessori guides demonstrate screen-free, engaging lessons for Infant & Toddler through Secondary II students, highlighting the harmonious coexistence of traditional materials and minimal technology.” Following is a detailed example of what attendees can expect (provided by Mara Weitzman, Technology Integration Specialist, Wellan Montessori School, and AMS Think Tank Fellow):
- The "Technology" group in the Think Tank is creating an immersive experience for visitors to explore a vision of the modern Montessori prepared environment. As attendees pass through the traditional areas of the Innovation Lab classroom, such as Practical Life, Sensorial, and Cultural, they will take note of the progression of displayed works which are carefully chosen to support students' development from Toddlers through Adolescents. Many of the innovative works are extensions of our traditional Montessori lessons and are designed to prepare students as the thoughtful and capable digital citizens of tomorrow.
- Visitors will be encouraged to try many activities, participate in group lessons, and share their suggestions and reflections in discussion groups. We will share an extensive compilation of online materials so that in-person and remote attendees can learn more about this topic. This includes a detailed mapping of traditional Montessori materials with AI competency development, demonstrating how our hands-on materials and activities align seamlessly with AI competencies.
- The Technology group looks forward to hosting this experience for our community so that we can work together to refine our vision of the future of Montessori education. By integrating child-centered learning with key digital and ethical concepts, we can create a holistic approach to prepare students for an increasingly tech-driven world.
You are invited to observe and participate in the Montessori classroom of the future, and witness how Montessori teachers are working to nurture responsible and capable digital citizens.
Note: Attendees may also be interested in a related pre-conference event, AI, Digital Citizenship, and Montessori, presented by members of the AMS Innovation Fellowship Think Tank. In this Thursday session, participants will learn “how to partner with children to explore the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology as it relates to their future.” Related activities and conversations will be grounded in the writing of Montessori, with a focus on “how her principles resonate in the context of modern technology and AI.”
We hope to see you in Denver at the AMS Event’s exhibitions and special events! Stay tuned for Part Three of this series, where we will showcase Montessori voices and the AMS 2025 Living Legacy.
Cynthia Brunold Conesa |
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Let us knowThe opinions expressed in Montessori Life are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of AMS.
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