History of Catawba Science Center
From a small Victorian house to a 35,000 sq. ft. science and technology center we have dedicated FIVE decades to changing lives and inspiring learning through science and wonder.
A Community Built This
Catawba Science Center was born from the dedication of local volunteers and the generosity of the Hickory community. What began as a modest museum for youth in 1975 has grown into a premier educational destination serving approximately 50,000 students each year across 27 counties in western North Carolina. Help us support our mission to serve the community HERE!
The Creative Museum for Youth
The Service League, a local nonprofit organization driven by charity, public service, and educational goals, founded and opened The Creative Museum for Youth at the historic John Cilley House — a 4,000 sq. ft. Victorian-era structure.
The Creative Museum for Youth
The Service League, a local nonprofit organization driven by charity, public service, and educational goals, founded and opened The Creative Museum for Youth at the historic John Cilley House — a 4,000 sq. ft. Victorian-era structure.
Renamed to the Catawba Science Center
The name was changed to Catawba Science Center (CSC) to reflect the mission of science education and the county it served. Initially staffed by volunteers, the science center provided visitors with a variety of small exhibits and activities in science and art.
Renamed to the Catawba Science Center
The name was changed to Catawba Science Center (CSC) to reflect the mission of science education and the county it served. Initially staffed by volunteers, the science center provided visitors with a variety of small exhibits and activities in science and art.
Temporary Home at the Mall
Catawba Science Center was briefly housed at the local Valley Hills Mall during the transition to the new building.
Temporary Home at the Mall
Catawba Science Center was briefly housed at the local Valley Hills Mall during the transition to the new building.
A New Facility
CSC relocated to a new facility alongside other cultural organizations. The Hickory community (population 25,000 in the 1980s) came together to support the development of a new facility, not only for CSC, but for the primary cultural organizations in the area. The unoccupied historic Hickory High School was identified as an appropriate space and repurposed as the Arts & Science Center. A community coalition raised $3 million to complete the structure, and Hickory earned an All-American City Award from the National Chamber of Commerce that year.
A New Facility
CSC relocated to a new facility alongside other cultural organizations. The Hickory community (population 25,000 in the 1980s) came together to support the development of a new facility, not only for CSC, but for the primary cultural organizations in the area. The unoccupied historic Hickory High School was identified as an appropriate space and repurposed as the Arts & Science Center. A community coalition raised $3 million to complete the structure, and Hickory earned an All-American City Award from the National Chamber of Commerce that year.
First Annual Fundraiser
Catawba Science Center held its first fundraiser called the Italian Dinner. The Annual Fundraiser Gala, as it is now known today, continues to be the largest fundraising event for the science center. It isorganized and coordinated by the CSC Guild.
Learn More →First Annual Fundraiser
Catawba Science Center held its first fundraiser called the Italian Dinner. The Annual Fundraiser Gala, as it is now known today, continues to be the largest fundraising event for the science center. It isorganized and coordinated by the CSC Guild.
Learn More →
Summer Camps Begin
The first Summer Fun Science Camps were held, offering science experiences throughout the summer. Today this program begins registration in the Spring and has a total 13 weeks of engaging hands-on science for rising PreK–9th graders.
Summer Camps Begin
The first Summer Fun Science Camps were held, offering science experiences throughout the summer. Today this program begins registration in the Spring and has a total 13 weeks of engaging hands-on science for rising PreK–9th graders.
Learn More →
Endowment Created
The original Endowment was created to help support the growing needs of CSC. These are still growing today thanks to the continued support of our community.
Endowment Created
The original Endowment was created to help support the growing needs of CSC. These are still growing today thanks to the continued support of our community.
School Programs Expand
Preschool programs were added in response to the growing importance of early childhood education. CSC is now a premier educational destination for Field Trips serving approximately 50,000 students each year across 27 counties in western NC, and hosts monthly Homeschool classes during the school year for PreK–12th graders.
School Programs Expand
Preschool programs were added in response to the growing importance of early childhood education. CSC is now a premier educational destination for Field Trips serving approximately 50,000 students each year across 27 counties in western NC, and hosts monthly Homeschool classes during the school year for PreK–12th graders.
Learn More →
Dinosaurs! Exhibit Opens
The first iteration of the Dinosaurs! exhibit opened. Returning many times since then, nine new animatronic Dinos were added in 2022. Dinosaurs! is open now through December 6th, 2026.
Dinosaurs! Exhibit Opens
The first iteration of the Dinosaurs! exhibit opened. Returning many times since then, nine new animatronic Dinos were added in 2022. Dinosaurs! is open now through December 6th, 2026.
Legacy Society Established
The Legacy Society was established to recognize generous donors of $5,000 or more through planned giving to one of CSC's endowments. As a nonprofit organization, CSC relies on the generosity of our community to fulfill our mission.
Legacy Society Established
The Legacy Society was established to recognize generous donors of $5,000 or more through planned giving to one of CSC's endowments. As a nonprofit organization, CSC relies on the generosity of our community to fulfill our mission.
Learn More →
First FlutterBy Butterfly Habitat
The first iteration of the FlutterBy Butterfly Habitat opened in the Outdoor Science Courtyard. This exhibit returns every 3 years to align with milestones in childhood development and is a must-see among visitors. This exhibit will return in Spring 2028!
First FlutterBy Butterfly Habitat
The first iteration of the FlutterBy Butterfly Habitat opened in the Outdoor Science Courtyard. This exhibit returns every 3 years to align with milestones in childhood development and is a must-see among visitors. This exhibit will return in Spring 2028!
West Wing Expansion
CSC programs expanded into the West Wing Building, providing the ability to accommodate a larger number of children for Summer Camps. Now it houses classrooms used for Field Trips, Birthday Parties, and Scout Programs!
West Wing Expansion
CSC programs expanded into the West Wing Building, providing the ability to accommodate a larger number of children for Summer Camps. Now it houses classrooms used for Field Trips, Birthday Parties, and Scout Programs!
Learn More →
Millholland Planetarium & Aquarium Building
Renovations began on an old high school on the North side of campus. The new addition officially opened in 2008, housing a 65-seat planetarium with a 35 foot dome, fresh and saltwater galleries, a special events space, a gift shop, office spaces, and an exhibits workshop. The Aquarium /Planetarium building was a major enhancement to the museum and continues to draw visitors.
Millholland Planetarium & Aquarium Building
Renovations began on an old high school on the North side of campus. The new addition officially opened in 2008, housing a 65-seat planetarium with a 35 foot dome, fresh and saltwater galleries, a special events space, a gift shop, office spaces, and an exhibits workshop. The Aquarium /Planetarium building was a major enhancement to the museum and continues to draw visitors.
Land to Sea Opens
Land to Sea opened in the Edgerton Gallery, an exhibit focused on ecosystem education — featuring a climate station, tortoises, an American alligator, and the Herpetarium, which houses our many program animals.
Land to Sea Opens
Land to Sea opened in the Edgerton Gallery, an exhibit focused on ecosystem education — featuring a climate station, tortoises, an American alligator, and the Herpetarium, which houses our many program animals.
Learn More →
Expanding Horizons Opens
Expanding Horizons opened in the Hall of Astronomy, featuring the planets in our solar system, how we see into the vastness of space using light and telescope technology, plus a Mars Pod showcasing what it might be like to live on the red planet.
Learn More →Expanding Horizons Opens
Expanding Horizons opened in the Hall of Astronomy, featuring the planets in our solar system, how we see into the vastness of space using light and telescope technology, plus a Mars Pod showcasing what it might be like to live on the red planet.
Learn More →Be Part of Our Next Chapter
Catawba Science Center continues to grow thanks to the generosity of our community. Support our mission and help us inspire the next generation of scientists.