The History of the Smead Discovery Center

Here's how the Museum's hands-on learning center came to be.

1980s to 1998

Museum trustees Dr. Howard and Mrs. Miriam Smead were instrumental in the creation of the Discovery Center at the Museum. Throughout the 1980s, they visited museums and nature centers around the country. They gathered ideas for a Discovery Center for families and children and a Naturalist Center for scientific work.

The Museum's first Discovery Center opened to visitors in 1987. It operated only on weekends. First called the “Dino Den,” then the “Gem Den” and “Dino Den II,” its programming complemented the Museum's blockbuster exhibitions.

In 1991, an expanded Discovery Center opened in its current location. The next year, the Howard S. Smead Naturalist Center opened. Sadly, Dr. Smead passed away that September. Miriam Smead carried on his work, mentoring students in science in the Naturalist Center.

In 1993, a grant from the MacArthur Foundation allowed Discovery Center staff to create rain forest-themed activities to coincide with a major Museum exhibition. This funding also permitted the Discovery Center to open seven days a week for the first time.

However, when the Museum exhibition closed, so did the Discovery Center. Additional funding allowed it to reopen on a limited basis.

1999

The Discovery Center became increasingly popular with visitors. In 1999, funding allowed the Museum to hire a full-time coordinator and open it full-time.

That same year, a new grant allowed the Museum to begin to plan the Discovery Center's renovation. Miriam Smead and other generous individuals and foundations contributed to the project. The Smead Discovery Center began to take shape.

2001 to 2003

During 2001 and 2002, the Discovery Center's physical structure was overhauled. New windows allowed visitors to see into the space from the adjoining hallway. Velcro-compatible fabric applied to the walls permitted posters and displays to be rearranged quickly. New carpet and lighting brightened the space.

Miriam Smead gave permission for the contents of the Howard S. Smead Naturalist Center to be moved to the Museum's lab areas. The Naturalist Center space was converted into a preparatory area for the Discovery Center.

On the other side of the prep area, the Museum created the Eaton Early Learning Center. It provided a customized space in which the Museum's popular hands-on preschool programs could take place.

In April 2003, the Museum celebrated the Smead Discovery Center's grand opening.

2003 to Present

Discovery Center personnel continue to create new exhibits and activities for visitors. These often complement current Museum exhibitions and research projects. Be sure to visit us often to see what's new.