#ASTC50 Collection
See some of the videos and other resources submitted by the community in recognition of ASTC’s 50th Anniversary.
The library below contains resources around several themes:
- How I got my start in science engagement
- How I was inspired to pursue science
- A thank you to an individual or organization that helped me
Add your story! Record a short video from your computer or smartphone, thanks to our partnership with StoryHabitat.
Show All
Impact of our field
Change in the field
Future of our field
Impact of ASTC
My start in science engagement
Science center memories
Inspired to pursue science
Thank you
Reid Wiseman
NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, commander of the upcoming Artemis II mission, offers this thank you to the Maryland Science Center for giving him a start in science and engineering and allowing him to return after his time on the International Space Station.
Bonnie VanDorn
Bonnie VanDorn, who served as ASTC's Executive Director for more than half of its history, sits down with current President and CEO Christofer Nelson for an extended conversation about the history and future of ASTC.
Kenneth Monjero
Kenneth Monjero, the Director of Science Centre Kenya, describes the impact that his organization has had in bringing science throughout Kenya, including in rural areas. As he says, "Science centers: the only way to go."
Paul Martin
Paul Martin of the Center for Innovation in Informal STEM Learning at Arizona State University says that the biggest change our field has seen in his career is the recognition that the ultimate authority in our engagements is the visitor, as they are who make the visitor experience for themselves.
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan
U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) discusses the importance of science and technology centers, including the Reading Public Museum in her district, and talks about her legislative priorities in STEM education.
Anil Menon
Medical doctor, flight surgeon, and NASA astronaut Anil Menon was inspired to do his job because of a formative visit to the Science Museum of Minnesota when he was six years old.
Keith Ostfeld
Keith Ostfeld says that the future of our field is going to be about personalization and the positive use of artificial intelligence to customize experiences for each individual.
Stan Love
Astronaut Stan Love shares his detailed story about formative visits to Eugene Science Center, Pacific Science Center, and OMSI. He says that too many kids lose their interest in science and technology, but "science museums both great and small, reinforce kids' inclination toward nature and science."
Anne Fullenkamp
The biggest change that Anne Fullenkamp at Children's Museum of Pittsburgh has seen is more conversation about feelings and empathy, including very young children talking about important topics in ways that give them agency and have their opinions respected and even teach adults.
Daniel Bellinger
Daniel Bellinger of North Country Children's Museum in Upstate New York, talks about his impactful collaborations with tribal communities along the Canada-U.S. border, including with the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club.
Sethuraman Panchanathan
National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan discusses the important role of science centers and museums, including to make "STEM spark" moments come alive.
Megan McArthur
Astronaut Megan McArthur thinks of space as a "gateway science," helping light a spark and make personal connections to space exploration. She believes that the people who will work and live on Mars someday are having memorable experiences in our science centers today.
Lynnea Jackson
Lynnea Jackson was inspired to become a paleontologist because of a formative visit to the Field Museum when she was 7. More than 15 years later, she's now earning her PhD in paleontology and had the chance to return to the Field Museum, this time as a researcher.
Beata Mierzwa
Molecular biologist, artist, and IF/THEN® Ambassador Beata Mierzwa is honored to be working with museums to see firsthand the "impacts that these amazing institutions can make."
Robert Firmhofer
The co-founder of Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw, Poland, describes the many ways that the science centre has grown and expanded but what hasn't changed is the spark in the eyes of visitors and the collective work of our field to face shared challenges together.
NISE Network
Thanks for the anniversary wishes, NISE Network!
Elizabeth Mulkerrin
Elizabeth Mulkerrin tells how she went from a landlocked kid in Nebraska who wanted to be a marine biologist to become Vice President of Education at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and president of the National Science Teaching Association.
COSI
Thanks for the recognition, COSI! We also look forward to achieving that bold vision together.
Kelly Tang
ASTC's Manager of Communications discusses her research at the intersection of science, art, and culture and encourages the community to continue to approach potentially difficult encounters bravely.
Adriana Chavez
Elementary school Adriana Chavez talks about the impact of Pacific Science Center's Science on Wheels program, which brings science experiences to students.
Susan Yeagley and Kevin Nealon
That may be funny professionally, but they're serious about the importance of science museums. As they say, science museums help engage kids and families in science, but do so in a fun and playful way.
Patrick Hamilton
Patrick Hamilton envisions a world where science centers and science museums are providing leadership on climate mitigation, adaptation, and action.
Lin Erickson
Lin Erickson describes how the Da Vinci Science Center is evolving and re-inventing itself as it prepares to open its new facility in downtown Allentown.
Dennis Schatz
Dennis Schatz reflects on some of the changes that have happened in our field and the work we still have to do.
Nicole Jackson
IF/THEN® Ambassador Nicole Jackson describes three meaningful experiences she had working with museums, including the International Museum of Surgical Sciences, California Academy of Sciences, and the Smithsonian.
Catherine Wilson Horne
Catherine Horne is most proud of her work to expand economic access for people of all backgrounds to come to museums.
Eric Jolly
Eric Jolly, former President of the Science Museum of Minnesota, talks about the courage of science centers in creating community connectedness around important issues like race, mental health, and gender identity.
Larry Dubinski
Former ASTC Board Chair Larry Dubinski calls ASTC "an industry game changer" for its important work, including during the difficult times of the past few years. He also reflects on the reach and impact of his center as it is poised to celebrate its 200th anniversary next year.
Lucy Hale
Lucy Hale explains how the Museum of Science, Boston, helped her get started in the field.
Sheila Grinell
Sheila Grinell helped move ASTC from a start-up to a sustainable association. Despite change, the values of ASTC have always been the same.
Barbara Punt
Barbara Punt describes one of the biggest changes in the field over the past 30 years is the inclusion of women and minorities.
Todd Boyette
Todd Boyette was inspired to pursue informal science education from a formative experience at a shopping mall many years ago when he learned the benefits of connecting with people on their terms and on their turf.
Jamie Bell
Jamie Bell explains how being invited to the Exploratorium launched his career.
Carla Katz
Carla Katz discusses the impact of science centers in the building or out in the community
Jeff Rudolph
Jeff Rudolph reflects on his long leadership in the field, including the growth and evolution of ASTC and the difference it has made.
Lindsey Gordon
Lindsey Gordon's career came full circle from a second grade field trip to serving as Director of Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville.
Sam Tayag
Sam Tayag explains how she was inspired by her grandmother in the Philippines.
Charlie Trautmann
Charlie Trautmann happened upon a graduate student who attributed their interest in science to formative visits to Sciencenter as young person.
Valentina Miller
Valentina Miller got hooked in college when she had the opportunity to scan dinosaur bones.
Paul Orselli
Paul Orselli thanks his mom and dad for bringing him to lots of museums and events as a kid.
Karen Dewhirst
Karen Dewhirst was just trying to get out of the rain when she got started at the Creative Discovery Museum.
Betsy Loring
Betsy Loring got her start teaching public works staff about the science of composting.
Polly McKenna-Cress
Polly McKenna-Cress explains how her parents used to drop her off at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.
Barbara Punt
Barbara Punt explains how the New York Hall of Science set her on her career path.
Derek Dauphin
Transit planner Derek Dauphin explains how early visits to the Pacific Science Center got him hooked on science.
Rachel Hellenga
Rachel Hellenga grew up going to the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, across the street from her apartment.
Brad Larson
Brad Larson gives a shout out to Bernie Zubrowski for helping him think about the importance of play with everyday objects.
Brianna Cencak
Brianna Cencak credits her father for always engaging her in being curious about the natural world.