The Museum of Discovery has had its share of obstacles the past five years. It re-opened following COVID closures only to be dealt a second devastating blow: a flood in early 2021 that destroyed two large galleries and the exhibits contained within them.
MoD Chief Development Officer Melissa Stiles says the flood took them by surprise, of course, but after the initial shock wore off, the board of directors and museum staff quickly shifted their focus.
“As we slowly recovered from the flood, we began talking about how to ‘reimagine’ the museum to make it better and more accessible to children and families,” Stiles says.
This mindset kicked off MoD’s Reimagination Campaign, which has now officially entered the public phase.
Jeff Hildebrand, chief lending officer at Centennial Bank, is putting his extensive financial background and nine years as a museum board member to good use as co-chair of the capital campaign. His main responsibility is soliciting donors and keeping the museum on track to reach its goal.
“His support and commitment to the museum and its mission have been integral to our success,” Stiles says. “Jeff’s passion for his community and the museum made him a natural choice for co-chairman of the Reimagination Campaign. He has worked tirelessly to promote the importance of the museum’s renovation and our impact on early education in Arkansas.”
“[When the flood happened], naturally, there had to be panic that set in,” Hildebrand says. “But I think [CEO] Kelly Bass and the team at the Museum of Discovery did a really good job of saying, ‘Yes, we’ve been hit with adversity. How are we going to respond?’”
Their response was a three-phase remodel, now in its final stage. Phase one was the installation of a two-story, three-tower climbing structure that debuted in November 2022.
“When the climber debuted, the museum saw record-breaking attendance,” Stiles says. “As we approach the two-year anniversary of the climber, it remains one of the most popular features in the museum.”
Phase two was the launch of the two largest galleries, replacing those destroyed in 2021. The Science Lab Gallery debuted in November 2023, and Dynamic Earth opened in February 2024.
“These two galleries encourage family learning and curiosity,” Stiles says. “We’ve seen families turn to the giant generator to learn about electricity, children use their hands to paint with light, children and adults mimic animal behavior and field trip groups work together to understand chain reactions.”
The third phase, still in progress, is two more new galleries geared toward younger children. Small Fry Fish Camp is designed for guests 6 years and younger, while Curiosity Spot is aimed at kids up to 9 years old.
Hildebrand says he’s most excited about the “jump in” section of Small Fry Fish Camp, where toddlers can explore a man-made forest floor.
“They’ll be able to look at leaf shapes and just move around,” Hildebrand says. “They can work on their motor skills, and it’s a good place for them to interact with other kids and [simulated] nature.”
Stiles is also confident guests will love what is to come.
“I think the museum team has done a wonderful job incorporating our Natural State and all the wonders we hold near and dear to us in Arkansas into the newest exhibits,” she says.
For Hildebrand, change is the name of the game when it comes to keeping museums engaging.
“The long-term goal of the museum is to continue to adapt to our environment, to the needs of children and look at different ways to continue making the museum more interesting in the future,” he says.
“The Museum of Discovery is a place for fun and learning,” Stiles says. “We think the two should be intertwined. Science and technology centers like ours have become prevalent across the country and now the world because they offer families a unique opportunity to learn through play. The earlier a child is exposed to quality resources like these, inviting them to ask the ‘how’ and ‘why’ about the world around us, the better.”
“The community needs to put the word out because I think it’s a treasure that we have here locally,” Hildebrand says. “I think that is happening because we are getting more and more visitors from outside this area and outside of the state, and I think that is from word of mouth.”
Next month, supporters will have the opportunity to experience the MoD’s evolution for themselves at the museum’s signature Spark! Luncheon and Gala while celebrating and supporting the nonprofit’s mission.
“The Museum of Discovery wants everyone to feel like they belong here, like they helped make a difference in providing a world-class educational resource to children across Arkansas,” Stiles says.
And though she invites families to explore all the museum has to offer, regardless of when it was built, she doesn’t hide her enthusiasm for what’s to come.
“The difference between the old and new is stark, which makes us even more excited for November.”
SPARK!
Benefiting the Museum of Discovery
Luncheon: Nov. 4, 11:30 a.m.
Gala: Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Info: museumofdiscovery.org/spark
PHOTOGRAPHY
JASON MASTERS
SHOT ON LOCATION AT
THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY