When Neil Gordon, the long-time CEO of Acton’s Discovery Museum, announced he intended to retire at the end of 2023, the Board of Directors of the children’s museum launched a six-month, intensive search for his replacement. But like Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” they found their “heart’s desire” right in their “own backyard.” They chose Marie Beam, the museum’s chief development officer since 2013, to become the new CEO as of January 1.
“I’m a steward of a place that has an incredibly deep and cherished history—41 years of work in this community—and now an impact that goes so far beyond Acton,” says Beam. “I see my job as making sure we continue to earn the trust of our visitors, the kids and families in our region, and our community partners, and to find new ways to put our expertise to good use, to make sure we’re making the future better for kids.”
In her role as CEO, she thinks not only about local learning opportunities but also about the broad regional impact the museum can have. The Traveling Science Workshops program, headed by Jill Foster, is a huge part of the museum’s outreach efforts. “This is the largest school outreach program in the state,” says Beam. “It’s at a level that is unmatched.”
In 2023, more than 53,000 students in Pre-K to 8th grade took part in this 31-year-old program. Instructors, hired and trained by museum staff, traveled to 116 schools in the region to deliver STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) enrichment linked to the state program of science education. Through the hands-on program, students can explore twenty-three grade level-appropriate topics, including bubbles, sound, electromagnetism, light and lasers, and microscopes and magnification. Working in small groups in their own classrooms, students use familiar materials and conduct experiments that can be replicated at home.
“The whole point of Traveling Science Workshops is to change kids’ attitude about science,” says Beam. “We want to inspire their confidence in being able to be scientific and creative thinkers. We want to show kids they are scientists. It’s not about lab coats, test tubes, and computers.”
Schools are charged fees based on the length and number of workshops to be offered. The cost of the program is often covered by parent-teacher organizations. But in budget-strapped schools, donors and corporate supporters may provide the programs free of charge.
Another community-oriented project is the 2024 Discovery Museum Scholarship program. Launched in 2022 in celebration of the museum’s 40th anniversary, the program awards four one-time $1,500 scholarships to high school juniors and seniors who are residents of Massachusetts. Unlike traditional college scholarships, these funds can be applied to any educational or developmental experience. Students who are past or current Discovery Museum employees or volunteers receive preference for one of the four awards.
“We look for young adults who exemplify the core values of the organization and are going to take them out into the world,” Beam explains. “The scholarships are for any sort of educational pursuit, even if we wouldn’t think of it as formal education.” Examples she cites are attending a special summer program, starting an entrepreneurial venture, or travel expenses for a volunteer opportunity.
Written or video applications are now being accepted (note: applicants must log in to Google to apply). The deadline for applications is March 31, 2024. Scholarship winners will be notified in mid-May.
Especially for Me is a free program begun in 2010 to make the museum more accessible for children with disabilities. More than twenty-five events per year offer learning experiences designed to meet the needs of children who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, or on the autism spectrum. Events, which are held during low-visitation times or after hours, are free for all participants, including children, family members, and caregivers. Programs are based on guidance from such organizations as the Autism Alliance of Metrowest and the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, and include American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and other supports.
“This sort of environment can be inherently challenging for many families,” says Beam. “This is part of our effort to try to reduce and eliminate as many barriers to the museum experience as we can.”
The museum’s online Speaker Series, which is free and open to everyone, attracts an audience of people from across the country and beyond. The theme of the 2024 series is “Conversation. Understanding. Hope” and features a variety of topics.
On March 6, Dr. Valora Washington, a pioneer in early childhood education, spoke on “How To Have Brave Conversations that Build Empathetic Kids.” She encouraged parents, caregivers, and educators to talk openly to children about subjects like race and gender to make sure they are getting honest, accurate information.
Upcoming events include:
April 25—Chanel Thervil, the Discovery Museum’s inaugural artist-in-residence, speaking on “How Art Can Inspire Engagement in Kids.”
May 22—Junlei Li, presenting “The Science of ‘Good Enough’ Relationships: Trusting and Developing Our Capacity for Simple and Authentic Human Interactions.”
Another presentation is being planned for the fall. “We are incredibly proud of our impact,” says Beam of all the outreach programs. “It’s something we want to nurture.”
Nancy Knoblock Hunton is a volunteer writer for Acton Exchange, specializing in profiles of people who have made contributions to the community.
