Our History
Discovery Center of Springfield is an interactive hands-on museum committed to inspiring people of all ages with a life-long love of learning and an appreciation of the world and our place in it.
The conception for DCS began in the late 1980′s when a group of community volunteers led by the Junior League of Springfield began a feasibility study for a children’s hands-on museum project for the Springfield region. It was determined that a hands-on museum could provide a unique learning environment that would help cultivate children’s curiosity and imagination, confidence, communication, interaction and interpretive skills. They believed the potential exhibits and programs developed could appeal to all ages and stages of learners. Individual learning styles of children and families would be nurtured with the intent to excite and engage visitors on various educational topics. The overall goal would be to inspire a love of learning and empower children to have a more positive outcome in their academic and lifelong pursuits.
The development began in 1991 when DCS was incorporated. Over the next six years the volunteer board of directors and other committed community volunteers planned the building purchase and renovation, exhibits and program development and business operation.
The growth of DCS has continued since our opening in January, 1998 with the development and addition of a great number of programs and exhibits. Collaboration has been the key to the success of this regional facility. DCS has established itself as a leader in the region for unique and engaging educational experiences. In 2000, we completed a master plan process and determined it was time to begin planning for expansion. In September, 2006, DCS celebrated the opening of a new 30,000 sq ft. LEED Gold certified building expansion with additional exhibits. This expansion and the educational messages evident throughout the building have led the way to an impressive environmental sustainability movement in this area.
Your continued support is needed. We need your help to continue to provide quality resources, programs, events and experiences to the next generation. Financial support enables DCS to expand our efforts to excite young people to learn skills that can help shape their future, as well as the future of the entire community.