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Discovery World on Market is a nonprofit museum offering hands-on children’s programming focused on science, technology, engineering arts, and mathematics (STEAM). There are plans to renovate the museum’s theater and construct additional buildings. (Photo provided by Michelle Dillon)
Parkersburg and the surrounding area has a place for kids to learn and plans for growth in the near future.
Discovery World on Market is a nonprofit, interactive children’s museum focused on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM), said executive director Wendy Shriver.
Discovery World, located in a former Masonic temple built in 1915, opened on April 2, 2023, and has since attracted 52,000 participants from 29 states, Shriver said.
Discovery World features $4.1 million worth of interactive exhibits, each with a theme related to the local area. Schreiber said the exhibit will be sponsored by local businesses and will include a river adventure themed around the Ohio River and a ball factory inspired by Parkersburg’s manufacturing history. .
Discovery World also offers programming such as Izzy’s Kids Club events that teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts. Little She STEAMERS for ages 2 to 5 encourages parents and guardians to interact with children with hands-on STEAM activities. Classes; STEAM camps are held during summer and spring break. There will also be a maker space where kids can create anything they like using a variety of equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters and woodworking tools, Schreiber said.
“What’s really important is introducing kids to STEM at a younger age.” Mr. Schreiber spoke about the purpose of Discovery World on Market:
Discovery World is just getting started, Schreiber said.
There is a theater on the top floor of the Discovery World building. The museum is fundraising for the theater’s construction. Some renovation work began the week of Feb. 14, Schreiber said.
Shriver said Discovery World plans to renovate the theater and bring it up to date with 21st century technology, including new audiovisual, sound and lighting equipment, sound work and new plaster.
Discovery World will receive $300,000 in federal funds to support its theater operations. The museum also undertook capital campaigns, including: “Lights, Camera, Action” to help raise the necessary funds. West Virginia University in Parkersburg donated $75,000 worth of theater chairs to the theater, Schreiber said.
Schreiber said the next project Discovery World will take on will be an outdoor development. Discovery World purchased his two adjacent buildings at 914 Market St., which housed the Wood County Senior Center and other organizations.
Schreiber said they just started planning the project and are currently in the construction phase.
As part of the project, there will be additional outdoor space that can be used for children’s museum programs and exhibits. Schreiber said the exhibits will be similar to those at the children’s museum in that they will be themed around the local area.
They plan to do another capital campaign for outdoor space. Schreiber said they are just starting to consider the idea and will likely hold focus groups to get input.
Discovery World will hold an invitation-only fundraising gala on June 8th at the residence of the Chairman of the Discovery World Board of Directors. Schreiber said the funds will go toward developing outdoor space.
Schreiber said they also plan to build another building at the site to replace the two existing buildings as part of the Discovery World project. They are doing this because they are already running out of programming space. The new building will allow us to host additional classes and offer more birthday rentals. They are all currently fully booked because of the demand in the county for the programs they offer.
“I need more space.” Shriver said.
Schreiber said the company plans to begin fundraising for the new building, which will cost $12 million.
“We are also considering the possibility of changing the main entrance.” Schreiber spoke about upcoming changes to Discovery World.
To learn more about Discovery Word on Market and the programs it offers, make a donation, and sign up to become a member, visit https://www.dwonmarket.org/.
Michelle Dillon can be reached at mdillon@newsandsentinel.com.
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