2023 Cosmosphere Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Inspiring Innovation Through Science Education and Honoring the History of Space Exploration.

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2023 Annual Report

L E T TE R F R O M THE P R E SIDE N T AND CEO

Dear Friends of the Cosmosphere, It is my pleasure to share with you the Cosmosphere 2023 Annual Report. I am proud to highlight the incredible work we accomplished in pursuit of our mission to inspire innovation through science education and to honor the history of space exploration.

2023 was another record-breaking year for the Cosmosphere. Summer camp attendance grew.

We reached over 30,000 students through in-person and online resources. The Hall of Space Museum saw record attendance. And of

I am proud of the Cosmosphere staff who remain dedicated to our mission, particularly in a post-COVID environment. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to an entrepreneurial spirit have created new and exciting opportunities that will ensure we are prepared for whatever challenges come our way.

Looking ahead, I am excited to work with the staff and Boards to explore new opportunities for the organization. It is my goal to build upon the legacy of the last sixty years as we look towards the future and the continued success of the Cosmosphere.

greatest excitement was the release of the

Thank you for your support as we strive to inspire

Moon on the Prairie documentary telling the story

the future through space exploration.

of how the Cosmosphere came to be one of the greatest space museums on planet Earth.

I am extremely grateful for the support from our

With much gratitude,

Jim Remar President & CEO

donors, supporters, and volunteers. Thanks to continued support from many generous donors, we are finalizing renovations in the Hall of Space Museum. We could not accomplish what we do without the generosity of so many.

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“The work the Cosmosphere teams do is no joke! From the SpaceWorks and museum divisions to camps, truly amazing! There’s no denying that the Cosmosphere is a top tier, world class operation.’’ — Cosmosphere Camps Alumnus

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2023 Annual Report

M ISS I ON AN D VISIO N

Inspiring innovation through science education and honoring the history of space exploration.

Cosmosphere Vision To inspire across generations by telling the international story of humankind's exploration of space, celebrating the results of ingenuity, hard work and risk-taking while providing unparalleled educational opportunities that share the spirit of adventure and possibility.

Cosmosphere Core Values Sustainability, Preservation, Education, Innovation, Excellence, Inclusivity.

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I M PAC T A N D R E AC H

In addition to visitors from all over the United States,

together in 2023. These included camps,

the Cosmosphere had visitors from 37 countries

field trips, and events such as author signings,

outside of the United States in 2023.

Starry, Starry Night in Lindsborg, KS,

The Cosmosphere provided multiple opportunities for space enthusiasts and curious minds to join

Coffee at the Cosmo, solar viewing, Lunapalooza – our annual fundraising event, and more!

W H E R E O UR VISITO R S C AME FROM

General

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2023 Annual Report

Field Trips

Camps

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I N S P I R I N G IN N OVATIO N T HROUGH SCI ENCE EDUCATI ON

Cosmosphere Camps:

the complexity of the solar system to living

The Thrill of Space. The Fun of Camp.

in space, students learn about teamwork, critical

Since 1985, Cosmosphere Camps have given

thinking and more.

campers from across the nation experiences

For students entering the 7th grade and older,

unavailable anywhere else while developing skills

Ad Astra Overnight Camps offer more challenging

they will use the rest of their lives.

themes and scenarios. Activities encourage problem

Inspiration starts for elementary students with Young Explorer Day Camps. From understanding

solving and communication skills, preparing campers for their missions while reinforcing important traits for future jobs in the “real” world.

“Going to your camps as a child is the ONLY reason I am pursuing a career in space medicine.

I cannot thank you all enough for the work you do for young girls! Know it makes a difference.”

— Cosmosphere Camps alumna upon her college graduation in Biological & Chemical Sciences

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Cosmosphere Specialty Camps offer opportunities

grandparents to enjoy the summer camp

for both adults and children to experience

experience. The Teacher STEM Camp provides a

Cosmosphere Camps. The Adult Astronaut

unique hands-on learning experience for new and

Adventure Camp provides all the excitement of a

engaging activities for the K-12 classroom.

Cosmosphere summer camp but geared just for

The Lyon’s Summer Enrichment Program brings

adults. The Road Scholar Grandparent STEM Camp

together 3rd-5th graders to help students keep

brings grandchildren together with their

learning STEM through the summer.

2023 Annual Report

In 2023, Cosmosphere Camps hosted 942 campers and awarded 94 scholarships.

“With the Cosmosphere’s legacy of applied science education and now even more emphasis on STEM, it is my hope that youth will become tomorrow’s inspired leaders.”

— Fred Haise, Apollo 13 Astronaut

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The Cosmosphere hosted 17,200 students in 2023.

“I love that the lessons are easy to navigate and sort. They use materials most of us have laying around somewhere at home. When I work with the Cosmosphere staff or see their excitement for education in my own classroom it reminds me of what I am striving for.

I am professionally rejuvenated.” — LaunchLearning Subscriber

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2023 Annual Report

I GNI TI NG CURI OSI TY I N STEM

The Cosmosphere’s education experience is like no other. Our STEM educators bring the wonders of space directly to students, teachers, and learners of all ages.

We provide outcome-focused learning opportunities for all ages and academic levels, from high-achievers to at-risk youth.

From field trips to virtual classrooms, our education programming is standards-aligned and career-focused. We incorporate hands-on learning with virtual and remote experiences so anyone can learn with us, regardless of their location.

LaunchLearning, the Cosmosphere’s K-12 educational platform, brings STEM subjects to life with expert live science demonstrations, engaging activities, and lessons taught through the lens of space exploration.

• 228 activities and lessons in LaunchLearning • 14,365 participants utilized LaunchLearning

Hands-on STEM Learning

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HO N O R IN G THE HISTO RY OF SPACE EXPLORATI ON

Showcasing the Collection The Cosmosphere is one of the only places in the world where visitors can make a side-by-side

Our collection is truly unique and is why the Cosmosphere has been called “the greatest space museum on planet Earth.”

comparison of the Soviet-era space program to

Since 2012 the Cosmosphere has been dedicated

that of the United States. Visitors can compare

to upgrading and enhancing the visitor experience.

the differences in the engineering and design of

We have invested over $10 million in improvements

the spacecraft themselves as well as the cultural

to ensure our collection remains one of the best in

differences that shaped the history of the era.

the world and that all visitors get the most out of their time at the Cosmosphere.

“We are truly grateful for our work with the Cosmosphere. The collective knowledge and expertise of their team is unparalleled. Without them, the Apollo Mission Control Center would not have been accurately and historically restored. Their passion for honoring the history of space exploration is seen in the detail of their work and their commitment to our partnership. Cosmosphere assists NASA in promoting how STEM is vital to our mission of Space Exploration and does so using our history as well as innovative and interactive displays. They make Space Exploration live for our next generation!”

— Sandra J. Tetley, Real Property Accountable Officer, NASA HQ, Johnson Space Center

SpaceWorks The most highly regarded space artifact restoration, replication and design organization is part of the Cosmosphere. Organizations throughout the world turn to SpaceWorks for their aerospace restoration and replication needs. In 2023 SpaceWorks:

” — LaunchLearning Subscriber

• Partnered with Space Center Houston to design and fabricate new preservation display cases for Space Center Houston’s spacesuits • Created a display case for the lectern used by President John F. Kennedy during his famous

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2023 Annual Report

“We choose to go to the Moon” speech at Rice University in 1962, on display at Space Center Houston • Worked with the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum to preserve and maintain the world’s last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E • Partnered with Wichita State University to maintain display models at The Smart Factory

by Deloitte @Wichita • Supplied artifacts and traveling exhibits on loan throughout the world in places including Barcelona, Spain; Bratislava, Slovakia; Boston, MA; and Canela, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

SpaceWorks partnered with Space Center Houston to create a case for the lectern used by President Kennedy during his famous "We choose to go to the Moon" speech at Rice University.

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2 02 3 F I NA N C IA LS

The Cosmosphere is committed to

REVENUE

long-term financial sustainability and

Total Revenue: $5,801,008

providing value to our visitors, donors, partners, and community. Cosmosphere

Education $987,264

staff are encouraged to be creative and nimble in how they approach their work.

Special Projects $575,346

The organization is financially healthy and poised for future growth opportunities.

Financial support received in 2023 is enabling

Ticket Sales/Gift Shop: $1,638,321

the Cosmosphere to provide innovative, immersive, and engaging experiences— including a new classroom and interactive exhibits in the Rocket Gallery.

Charitable Contributions: $378,917

Thanks to many generous supporters, several public spaces are being updated, including

Designated Contributions: $1,307,283

the Justice Planetarium, Dr. Goddard’s Lab, and the Hall of Space Museum.

Federal, State and Local Support: $913,877

EXPENSES Total Expenses: $5,545,643 Total Program/Service Expenses: $3,268,112 Total Management & General Expenses: $2,024,236 Total Fundraising Expenses: $253,295

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2023 Annual Report

The Cosmosphere Foundation has $4,144,408 in assets: $1,331,917 (permanently endowed) $1,651,376 (temporarily restricted) $1,172,114 (unrestricted in the foundation)

Total value of Cosmosphere assets, excluding artifact collection: $12,708,716.

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2 02 3 D ON O R S The Cosmosphere is fortunate to receive the support of many donors who make our work possible.

(Contributions received January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.)

$3 Million NASA $1 Million The Sunderland Foundation $500,000 - $999,999 State of Kansas $100,000 - $499,999 The Dane G. Hansen Foundation $25,000 - $99,999 Evergy Mary Spooner $10,000 - $24,999 APEX Beach-Edwards Family Foundation Gordon & Ann Brown Dillons Food Stores Disability Supports of the Great Plains KU School of Engineering OMEGA Ltd. RCB Bank $5,000 - $9,999 Cargill Salt Division - Hutchinson Davis Foundation Carolyn Dillon Suzanne Hamilton Herman, Esther and Henry Stallman Foundation Hutton Construction MAAM Foundation Charley & Linda McCue Pipeline Testing Consortium Radio Kansas Peg Stephens Stolzer Family Foundation Helen Unruh Mike & Patti Wamsley Woodwork Manufacturing & Supply $1,000 - $4,999 Airbus Americas, Inc. American Packaging Corporation

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2023 Annual Report

Mary F. and Albert Baker Memorial Trust Berry Companies, Inc. Cernik and Polek Family Foundation Citizens Bank of Kansas Dave & Camille Claxton JP & Emily Claxton Commerce Bank Conklin Cars Dorian De Maio Michael & Laura Dick Egbert Liquor Store Elliott Mortuary, Inc. Richard & Jane Falter Robert & Annie Fee Fee Insurance Group First National Bank of Hutchinson Paul and Becca Hardenburger John & Ione Hardy Heartland Credit Union Shirley Hinkel Pauls Hubco, Inc. Hutchinson Clinic PA David & Patty Kerr Luminous Neon George R. R. Martin & Parris McBride-Martin Martindell Swearer Shaffer Ridenour LLP Keith Mason Meyer Charitable Trust Mosby Lincoln Foundation David & Karin Neal Ronald & Anita Pfister R. Westphal Jewelers Frank & Sheryl Remar Susan Richardson Jeffrey & Linda Schlader Spirit AeroSystems Timothy & Janet Sprecker Stan and Betty Lewis Foundation Takako America Textron Caleb Torello Underground Vaults & Storage Helen Weeks Rogers

$25 - $999 Ruben & Karen Alvero American Online Giving Foundation Paul & Natalie Anderson Angels of America's Fallen Apple Lane Animal Hospital Roy & Ann Baker Bob Barker Bob & Donna Becker Monti Belot Richard & Beverly Benjes Carla Bickel Todd & Julie Bickel The Blackbaud Giving Fund Larry & Marilyn Bolton Martin & Karen Bordson Jerry & Laverne Bostick Rick & Karen Boswell Bruce & Lynette Buchanan Andrea Buchbinder Vincent Capone Brooks & Nan Carey Adrian & Patricia Cole Maggie Collins Bob & Mary Ann Cox Custom Security Solutions CyberGrants LLC – Charities Aid Foundation America Data Center, Inc. Kenneth & Jane Davidson Chad & Kail Denison Sally Depenbusch Paul Dillon Thomas & Melodie Dower William Drews Jennifer Dyck Eric & April Eden Tom & Paula Eigsti Gene Elliott Exploration Place Facebook Gregory Fast Martha Fee Cara & Shannon Ferrell

Craig Fischer Diane Fischer Dennis & Luann Frank Roger Franke Leslie & Karen Freeman William & Susan Frensley Alan Frohbieter Krystina Furst Paul & Mareen Gill James & Karen Gilliland George & Elaine Glines Terry & Sheila Goscha Gregg Greenwood Sylvia Griggs Phyllis Grow Richard Hamilton Connie Harris Debra Holmes Keith & Debra Houghton David Howell Steven & Janet Hummell IdeaTek Carissa Jackson Jewish Community Center of Greater KC JR & MJ Wilson Foundation Barbara Keefer John & Maria Kelson Wes & Sara Kimmel Paul Kinzer Joel Kivett Richard & Mary Kluba

Nick & Cathia Krehbiel Thomas & Eileen Kubica Judy Langley Leech Products, Inc. Vi Leinbach Robert Lind Dale Lutes Donald & Natalie March Chris & Michelle Masoner Jackie Mayhew Mike & Terri McQueen Scott & Sheila Meggers Mennonite Press Evan & Melissa Moodie Sherry Mundhenke Carlin & Stephanie Murphy National WWI Museum and Memorial Chris & Rachel Nelson John & Sally O'Connor Jaryl Ollenburger Daniel & Brenda Pace Brandon & Lori Parks Robert & Kristine Peel Leah Place Cat Poland Michael Pritchett Virginia Rayl Roger Rea William Reukauf Judy Rinker Kerry & Renee Robinson

Richard & Candace Robl Willie & Meghan Rolo Kenton & Jennifer Ross James & Susan Saunders Jeff Schraeder Dell Swearer Carl & Jean Sidebottom Kristin & Martha Silvani Chad & Jennifer Simmelink Pete & Beth Skeggs Steve & Kathy Smith Thomas & Lois Smith Homer & Esther Smith Jerome & Ruth Ann Spitzer Leo Stockham Bill & Lora Stovall Gail & Leland Sudlow John Swearer Swope Health Services Eric Tilenius Aaron & Kimberly Tobias TopGolf Wichita Scott & Shirleen Tucker Visit Hutch Jeff & Teresa Wagner Peggy Warnock Doug & Vicki Westerhaus Glenn & Monica Whiteside Whitewater Memorial Library Marolyn Wilson Martin & Lisa Wisneski Mark & Leann Woleslagel

“The Cosmosphere’s commitment to science education is growing young minds across the region and beyond. The Sunderland Foundation is impressed with their success and we are proud to support their work. Financial support from the Sunderland Foundation has equipped the Cosmosphere with tools and spaces that allow kids to learn, while giving educators the resources needed to explain the science behind the fun. We are thrilled to be a part of the continued achievements of the Cosmosphere.” — Randy Vance, President & Chief Operating Officer, The Sunderland Foundation

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PA R T N E RIN G O R GA N IZATIONS

The Cosmosphere is grateful for the following organizations who we partner with throughout the year to bring our mission to life.

Johnson Space Center

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2023 Annual Report

Headquarters

“A commitment to STEM education is hugely important to the success of our country. The Cosmosphere is doing just that. Their dedication to STEM education is like no one else. They are putting students on paths to brighter futures and ensuring success of the aerospace industry.”

— Jerry Moran, U.S. Senator

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Governing Board of Directors Greg Fast Councilmember, City of Hutchinson Jordan Fee Executive Vice President, Fee Insurance Group Carter File President, Hutchinson Community College Tony Hoover Co-President, Conklin Cars Carissa Jackson Director of Membership and Communications, Prairie Dunes Country Club Wesley Kimmel Partner, Foulston Siefkin LLP Sheila Meggers Assistant Superintendent of Finance, USD 308 Mike Pritchett Executive Vice President and Manager, First National Bank of Hutchinson Jim Remar President and CEO, Cosmosphere Erica Shook Director Ad Adstra Academies, USD 313 Dan Springer President and CEO, Heartland Credit Union Morgan Starkweather Retired Teacher Debra Teufel President and CEO, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce Teresa Wagner President and Owner, Woodwork Manufacturing & Supply, Inc.

“From my initial visit years ago, to my time on the Board today, I continue to be impressed by the impact of the Cosmosphere. The unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering the next generation of brilliant thinkers resonates deeply with me. The Cosmosphere stands as the premier space museum, eloquently narrating the saga of the space race. We are truly fortunate to be able to share this Reno County gem with the rest of the world.”

— Dan Springer, Cosmosphere Governing Board Treasurer

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2023 Annual Report

Foundation Board of Directors Jordan Fee Executive Vice President, Fee Insurance Group Tony Finlay Executive Director, Hutchinson Recreation Commission Charlie Garcia Special Programs Chief Engineer, Agile Space Industries Kent Longenecker Independent Investor, JML Ventures Molly Martens SR Systems Integration Engineer, Sierra Space David Neal Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, CAPTRUST Mike Pritchett Executive Vice President and Manager, First National Bank of Hutchinson Rick Staab President and CEO, Disability Supports of the Great Plains Inc. Jim Remar President and CEO, Cosmosphere Vicki Westerhaus Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

“No space exploration organization honors the past and innovates for the future better than the Cosmosphere. I am honored to support the Cosmosphere and see up close how important this work is. From right in the heart of America, we are highlighting the worldwide contributions of so many and inspiring the next generation. It’s a thrill to be a part of!”

— Jordan Fee, Cosmosphere Foundation Board Chair

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Artist rendering of new hands-on interactive space is expected to be completed by winter 2024.

CosmoKids STEM Area

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2023 Annual Report

New Cold War Exhibit

Outreach Education

LOOKI NG AHEAD Much as our founder, Patty Carey had her eyes on the sky when she first envisioned the Cosmosphere, we have our eyes on the future.

We look forward to an exciting next phase for the Luna Sphere Artifact

Cosmosphere in which we bring the wonder and joy of space exploration to even more people.

We are eager to build on the legacy that was left before us and are committed to inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars…and beyond.

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Thank you to our generous donors, supporters, volunteers and visitors who make our work possible.

To inspire across generations by telling the international story of humankind’s exploration of space, celebrating the results of ingenuity, hard work, and risk-taking while providing unparalleled educational opportunities that share the spirit of adventure and possibility.

Cosmosphere | 1100 N. Plum | Hutchinson, KS 67501 | (800) 397-0330 | cosmo.org A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.