At its most recent meeting just before the start of the 2023 Annual Conference, the ASTC Board of Directors approved 12 new and returning organizations for membership.
Consistent with ASTC’s Bylaws, all members must be approved for membership by a majority vote of the ASTC Board of Directors. Organizations wishing to apply for membership should consult the Membership section of the ASTC website. Applications may be completed electronically by following instructions on the ASTC website.
Welcome to our new and returning members
Columbus Area Children’s Museum (CACM)
Columbus, Nebraska, USA
columbuslearnandplay.org
Our mission is to celebrate diversity and inclusion by providing a safe environment that inspires all children the opportunity to explore, create, and learn through the power of play. We are a 10,000 square foot museum which will be opening in December 2023 in Downtown Columbus Nebraska which will be representative of Columbus, Platte County, and Nebraska industries and technologies.
Creative Learning Alliance
Joplin, Missouri, USA
www.creativelearningalliance.org
The Creative Learning Alliance mission is to engage people of all ages in hands-on, STEAM based learning driven by curiosity and play. The alliance has recently acquired a facility that will serve as the future home of a new science center.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
www.grcm.org
We are an environment for play. We advocate for the value of play. We build minds through play. Play is essential for healthy development. Play has the power to transform. Play benefits all ages. Everyone has the right to play. Play benefits families.
Indiana Geological and Water Survey Learning Lab
Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana, USA
igws.indiana.edu
The Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS) conducts research, surveys the state, collects and preserves geologic specimens and data, and disseminates information to contribute to the mitigation of geologic hazards and the wise stewardship of the energy, mineral, and water resources of Indiana. In support of that mission, the IGWS Learning Lab is an experiential learning center that brings collections out of storage for hands-on discovery.
Lauren Berka Consulting
Helena, Montana, USA
www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-berka/
Lauren Berka Consulting is an independent consulting organization managed by Lauren Berka. Lauren is an independent consultant with advanced degrees in U.S. history who conceptualizes exhibit content and design and coordinates interpretation with the institution’s vision and goals. She also researches and develops content, writes and edits exhibit text, and transforms educational messages into compelling visitor experiences. She stays knowledgeable about developments in museum studies and academic historical studies and advises the design accordingly.
Maui Ocean Center
Wailuku, Hawai’i, USA
www.mauioceancenter.com
Since Maui Ocean Center opened in 1998, we have worked to protect Hawai‘i’s remarkable marine life. We offer unparalleled encounters with amazing oceanic creatures, some of which exist only here in Hawai‘i. We care for one of the world’s largest collections of live Pacific corals. Our exhibits and educational programs are designed to inspire Hawai‘i residents and visitors with fresh appreciation for our surrounding sea and local culture.
Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
Detroit, Michigan, USA
www.michigan.gov/oac
Located on Detroit’s riverfront in the historic former Globe Building, with the Dequindre Cut Trail running through its backyard, the Outdoor Adventure Center gives you a taste of Michigan’s great outdoors in the heart of the city. Experience exciting outdoor adventures with hands-on activities, exhibits, simulators, and more.
Monroe Science Center Honoring Dr. Christine Mann Darden
Monroe, North Carolina, USA
www.monroesciencecenter.com
Monroe Science Center is owned and operated by The City of Monroe in North Carolina. A STEM focused science center highlighting the industries in Union County such as technology, aerospace and engineering. We opened in January of 2023. The center is named in honor of Dr. Christine Mann Darden, an internationally known researcher born in Monroe, who was one of the women at NASA Langley featured in the book Hidden Figures.
Museum EXP
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
www.museumexp.com
Museum EXP is an extension of your museum’s exhibit extending your team’s capabilities to develop new permanent or traveling exhibitions. We create extraordinary experiences with your goals and mission in mind. We bring more than 40 years of combined experience working in museum exhibit development, interpretive planning, project management, and traveling exhibitions.
Relative Scale
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
www.relativescale.com
Relative Scale is a digital studio that uses technology to tell stories. Our work appears in a variety of spaces, including museums and cultural centers, academic institutions, athletic event venues, retail stores, corporate offices, and hospitals. Whether we are creating a multi-touch application for an exhibit or testing emerging technologies in our workshop, we maintain a singular focus on developing solutions that help our clients establish meaningful and lasting connections with their guests.
Rockville Science Center
Rockville, Maryland, USA
www.rockvillesciencecenter.org
The Rockville Science Center is committed to helping curious minds of all ages explore the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). We love having fun doing science, but we also take seriously the responsibility of helping to develop the next generation of scientists. Through our science programs for all ages and our interactive science center, we work to cultivate a sense of inquiry, discovery, wonder, and understanding of the scientific foundations of everyday life.
Texas Science & Natural History Museum
University of Texas
Austin, Texas, USA
sciencemuseum.utexas.edu
Texas Science & Natural History Museum on the campus of UT Austin engages, excites, and connects curious minds of all ages to the unique and irreplaceable natural history of the State of Texas. The museum tells the story of life in the natural world in Texas from the formation of our planet, through the age of the dinosaurs, into our current environment and will showcase advanced research being done at The University that will make a positive impact on life in the future.