A Spark of Discovery: Inside Abilene's New Science Center

Today on the Abilene People podcast, our guests are Marsha Hammack and Kaitlyn Myers from the Spark Science Center, one of Abilene's newest attractions and already a popular destination for families, students and anyone curious about the world around them. Marsha is Director of the Center and Kaitlyn serves as Public Programs and Volunteer Coordinator. The Spark Science Center is an extension of The Grace Museum and is located at Abilene Heritage Square. You can find hours, membership and admission information and a calendar of upcoming events on the Spark Science Center website. And, as Marsha and Kaitlyn point out in the podcast, membership at The Grace includes admission to the Spark Science Center, giving members access to both experiences. I make a confession during the podcast: I haven't visited Spark yet. By the time our conversation is over, I'm more than a little embarrassed about that because it becomes obvious just how dynamic, interactive and downright fun a visit can be. And plenty of people have already discovered it. More than 20,000 guests have visited Spark since it opened just three months ago, coming from across the United States and even as far away as Norway. Marsha and Kaitlyn do a terrific job of describing what happens when you walk through the doors and what both children and adults can experience. The hands-on science begins almost immediately, with interactive exhibits covering several areas of science. Visitors may even be surprised by a rather large dinosaur with the very gentle name of Bert, although his glistening T Rex teeth are anything but gentle-looking. The story of Spark is also a story about collaboration. Marsha and Kaitlyn talk about the many people who have contributed their time, knowledge and expertise to making the center possible, including members of the science committee and a very active group of volunteers. Partnerships have extended well beyond the building itself, including connections with McDonald Observatory, Dyess Air Force Base, the City of Abilene and the Abilene Public Library, along with experts and organizations from outside the Big Country. Even the plane hanging in Spark's Physics of Flight area represents a community partnership and another way science connects to the story of Abilene. We also talk about Spark's work with area schools, upcoming programming and what comes next. Marsha and Kaitlyn share some of what they are most excited about, including future events and a traveling exhibit devoted to the Hubble Space Telescope coming in 2027. You'll enjoy getting to know Marsha and Kaitlyn and hearing their enthusiasm for what the Spark Science Center has already become and where it is headed next. And be warned: by the end of the conversation, you may be like me, ready to make your way to Abilene Heritage Square, walk through the doors of Spark and jump right in.