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Our Story

Mission

The mission of Discovery Space is to provide engaging experiences with science and technology that spark curiosity and creativity.

Explore. Learn. Discover.

Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania is an exciting growing science center of interactive exhibits and hands-on programs designed to provide valuable informal science education, especially in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), in a fun learning environment.

Our proximity to The Pennsylvania State University allows for many valuable collaborations in both program delivery and exhibit development with the students and staff of the Colleges of Arts and Architecture, Education, Engineering, and the Eberly College of Science.

With support from local government, community organizations, businesses, and individual contributors, Discovery Space has become THE place in central Pennsylvania for fun science experiences.

From Concept to Reality

2002Concept envisioned by the Downtown State College Improvement District and a community group led by Marty Starling
2007Discovery Space incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
2010Facility acquired at 112 West Foster Ave. in State College
2011Soft opening (July), Grand Opening (October)
2012Unveiled Essential Elements donor recognition display
2013

  • Provided eight full weeks of summer camp

  • First traveling exhibit (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry)
2014

  • Held our first Night to Discover fundraiser

  • Welcomed our first two corporate members.
2015

  • Provided afterschool programs to four school districts

  • Welcomed our 500th member family
2016

  • Provided thirteen sessions of summer camp

  • Welcomed our 700th member family
2017

  • Moved to a new, larger location (September)

  • Grand Opening (October)

Founders Society

We are grateful to the members of our Founders Society – those who generously contributed to Discovery Space during the critical phases of building renovation and exhibit development (prior to December 31, 2011).

Leadership

 

Executive Director

Board of Directors

    • Eva J. Pell, PhD, Chair
    • Art Leach, Vice-Chair
    • Sandra Rankin, Treasurer
    • Thomas Foley, Assistant Treasurer
    • Renee Marks, Secretary
    • Jeff Erickson
      • Seria Chatters
      • Anna Childe
      • Gary Chinn, PhD
      • Kay Kustanbauter
      • Art Leach
      • Centrice Martin
      • Scott McDonald
      • Scott Mull
      • Peter Tombros
      • Susan Werner
        • Gary Chinn, PhD
        • Rich Kalin
        • Kay Kustanbauter
        • Jeane Singer
        • Sue Werner
        • Scott Wing, PhD
        • Scott McDonald, PhD
        • Scott Mull
        • Peter Tombros
        • Benson Lichtig
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