Item:
Title
Presentation from the Museum of Life + Science (30min)
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: April 7, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to receive a presentation from the Museum of Life and Science. This report will update the commission on the 80-year-old institution’s efforts to inspire curiosity for nature and science as a venue of lifelong learning for Durham County citizens. It includes the latest findings of how the Museum serves Durham and its unique demographics, highlighting evolving programming and exhibits addressing issues most relevant to our community and focusing on the Museum’s commitment to co-creation of programs in partnership with a broad range of community organizations.
The presentation also explores the Museum’s efforts to celebrate and support biosciences, both by incorporating emerging scientific and technological advancements into public programs and creating a broad “top of the funnel” for workforce development by inspiring all youth, from pre-K to high school, to see themselves in science. The Museum’s accessibility programs support this aspiration, and the presentation will include expansion in this area as well.
Finally, the presentation provides an update to projects funded by the 2022 bond referendum, with status of the capital projects underway, as the Museum endeavors to provide amenities for its growing visitor base (640K in FY24).
Alignment with Strategic Plan: The Museum of Life and Science’s work aligns with Durham County strategic plan focus area: Empowered Community, to provide and promote high-quality, equitable, and universal year-round educational enrichment and development opportunities to children and youth (EC 2c).
Resource Persons: Carrie Heinonen, Executive Director
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board receive this presentation from the Museum of Life and Science.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________