Discovery Center celebrating 15 years serving the region in January, 2013

Tuesday, January 15 | Submitted by | Downtown Central

Many people from throughout the southwest MO region and beyond have grown up with Discovery Center of Springfield (DCS) and have witnessed the addition of exhibits, new buildings and new programs throughout the years. DCS would not be where we are today without each individual: from purchasing a family membership, enrolling a child in a summer workshop or attending one of our many special event fundraisers such as Moonlight Bike Ride or Festival of Trees, each person has helped shape the Discovery Center.

Discovery Center is more than a venue for families and tourists that visit throughout the year. Discovery Center offers a variety of educational programs and enrichment opportunities for students and families throughout the region. Discovery Center’s education staff teach over 40 different programs focusing on hard sciences; chemistry, technology, biology, health, environment, culture and more. These help children become excited to learn more about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topics.

Come Help Us Celebrate this Milestone- Discovery Center After Dark Event…21 and up only. Thursday, January 31st 6:30-9:30 pm – Enjoy the entire center at an “adults only” pace! You’ve grown up with us-come celebrate and explore with a renewed sense of wonder and excitement! Music by The Third Degree and cash bar. Cost is $10.00 per person.

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.

Discovery Center celebrating 15 years serving the region in January, 2013

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