Release Date: February 4, 2003

Contact: Ganesh Ganpat, Executive Director, (806) 355-9547 ext. 24 g.ganpat@dhdc.org

Discovery Center Unveils Master Plan
for Exhibits and Educational Programs

AMARILLO, TX, February 4, 2003 -- The Don Harrington Discovery Center announced today a concept design plan for the museum’s exhibits and educational programs. The announcement was made at 1:00 p.m. during a news conference at the museum.

The purpose of this master plan is to articulate the interpretive framework for a re-created Don Harrington Discovery Center. The plan, in conjunction with the new vision and mission, establishes the basic criteria, characteristics and context for a new and unique organization and establishes a thematically organized approach to the visitor experience. The document is intended to be used by the Center’s Board and staff and to be adapted as needed for use as a communication tool and as a framework document for the further development and design of the Discovery Center’s exhibits and programs. The plan articulates how the Center’s educational mission will be carried out through its learning environments.

Fundamentally, the Master Plan describes a program designed to support its newly articulated vision and mission and provides the means to increase attendance and encourage repeat visits, both necessities in creating a sustainable Discovery Center.

The Discovery Center will create a new conceptual framework for presenting informal science, focusing on the uniqueness of the Panhandle region: it’s landscape, big sky, natural resources, local industries and local interests. Exhibit and program content will focus on strong, local connections to space science, life science, physical science and energy.

The museum is a private, not-for-profit organization that makes science exciting, relevant and interesting to all types of learners by providing interactive exhibits and programs that actively engage children, adolescents and their families. It fosters inquiring minds and nurtures the individual genius that is within each of us.

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