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I M PA C T R E P O R T 2 0 2 6
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Friends of Science Museum Oklahoma, Every year at the museum begins with a question: What can we create next? This year, the answer was clear. New exhibits. New experiences. New programs. New opportunities for curiosity to take hold and grow into something bigger. Throughout our museum, guests discovered new ways to explore the relevance of science around them. Families stepped into new spaces, encountered new ideas, and shared new moments of wonder together. Children who visited for the first time asked questions that may one day shape their futures. Returning guests found something unexpected waiting for them. Every new experience opened a new path forward. These moments happened and continue to happen because of people like you. Your generosity makes it possible for Science Museum Oklahoma to continue growing, improving, and creating experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, creators, problem-
solvers, and dreamers. Because of your support, curiosity remains within reach for hundreds of thousands of guests each year, both inside our walls and throughout Oklahoma. This year serves as a reminder that progress is built together. Every exhibit refreshed, every program launched, every student reached, and every moment of awe carries your fingerprints. Thank you for believing in the power of curiosity. Thank you for helping us create the moments that spark lifelong learning and light the path for future innovators in Oklahoma and beyond. With heartfelt appreciation,
Sherry Marshall John E. Kirkpatrick President & CEO
For nearly 40 years, Mighty Mouth has been part of the childhood experience for millions of Oklahomans. In February 2026, thanks to the generosity of Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its Foundation, that legacy continued with a reimagined experience helping families connect healthy habits with lifelong wellness. Working in conjunction with Process Curiosity, more modern interactives, square footage, and Spanish translations build on the legacy of this popular exhibition. By investing in curiosity today, donors create healthier communities tomorrow.
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“
It’s such a cute revamp. I love that the original mouth is still here with new things!
– TASHA, GUEST
”
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The reimagined Oceanarium showcases both the wonder of the natural world and the creativity within Science Museum Oklahoma’s own walls. Conceptualized, designed, fabricated, and installed entirely by the museum’s team in June 2026, the expanded experience transforms our beloved aquarium tanks into gateways for understanding ecosystems, food chains, and the relationships that connect living things. By helping guests look more closely at the species in our care and the environments they inhabit, Oceanarium invites visitors to see familiar creatures in new ways while demonstrating the talent, innovation, and mission-driven work that power Science Museum Oklahoma every day.
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“
So happy to be able to explain the facts in Spanish to my son. Thank you for incorporating this in exhibits.
– VERONICA, GUEST
DONATE
”
BEHIND EVERY EXHIBIT IS A TEAM OF INNOVATORS. HELP US SUPPORT THEIR NEXT BIG IDEA.
EXPEDITION
One of the greatest ways we serve our members and returning guests is by giving them new reasons to visit again and again. The traveling Expedition Dinosaur: Into the Deep does exactly that, pairing the universal appeal of dinosaurs with immersive experiences and hands-on discovery. Together with the expanded Oceanarium and dinosaur-focused On The Go programming delivered in libraries across Oklahoma, the exhibition connected learning experiences sparking curiosity both inside the museum and beyond its walls.
DINOSAUR INTO THE DEEP
Featuring creatures from
145-201 million years ago
360trºip to
r theate times c i r o t s i preh
25,025
custom digital dinosaur drawings
7 animatronic
prehistoric an imals
3 fossil replicas opter 1 helic
DONATE
YOU CAN SUPPORT THE EXPERIENCES THAT KEEP FAMILIES COMING BACK TO DISCOVER WHAT’S NEXT.
65+
years of Barbie
Few exhibitions captured the public imagination this year quite like Barbie™ You Can Be Anything: The Experience™. Designed with highly shareable, social media-friendly, and hands-on experiences, the exhibition generated widespread attention and introduced new audiences to Science Museum Oklahoma through viral videos and guest storytelling. Behind the buzz was something even more meaningful, visitors left with a renewed sense of possibility, inspired to explore interests, careers, and futures they may never have considered before. This includes the many STEAM-related careers Barbie has held in her 65+ years. She will continue inspiring Science Museum Oklahoma guests until September 2026.
250+
Barbie careers
15
17
hands-on interactives
6,297
careers chosen in the Barbie photo spot in one month
careers featured
3,483,010
views on just one Barbie-related video
“
Barbie has always represented that a woman has choices.
– RUTH HANDLER BARBIE CREATOR
”
350 lbs
With two rotating galleries and new exhibitions opening every six months, smART Space ensures there is always something new to discover at Science Museum Oklahoma. This year’s exhibitions highlighted the power of collaboration, bringing together universities, museums, artists, scientists, and community partners to create experiences that exist nowhere else. Opened in October, Field Notes: How Mammals Sense Their World was developed alongside the University of Oklahoma School of Visual Arts, Sam Noble Museum, and the Oklahoma City Zoo. The newly opened Spin! The Art of the Modern Zoetrope continues to demonstrate how art and scientific inquiry can inspire deeper learning and new ways of seeing the world.
weight of the juvenile elephant skull on display from the Oklahoma City Zoo
18 real skulls
courtesy of the Sam Noble Museum
DONATE
SUPPORT NEW WAYS TO EXPLORE WHERE ART AND SCIENCE MEET.
56
field sketches from artists and students at OU School of Visual Arts
Science Museum Oklahoma launched smART Talks this year, a new series exploring the intersection of art and science through perspectives of the artists featured in our smART Space galleries. The inaugural event welcomed internationally acclaimed artist Jonty Hurwitz, whose work in POV: Perspectives in Anamorphic Art invited guests to rethink perception, scale, and perspective through experiences that ranged from large-scale installations to Fragile Giant, the world’s smallest sculpture, viewable only through a microscope. Programs like smART Talks create opportunities for our community to engage directly with artists and ideas that challenge assumptions and inspire new ways of seeing the world. Select programming is made possible by funding from the Oklahoma Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Oklahoma and the National Endowment for the Arts. Our next smArt Talks on September 10, 2026, latest smART Space exhibition called Spin!
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With a new name and a decade of momentum behind it, DiscoverFest celebrated its 10th year of connecting Oklahoma families with science, creativity, and curiosity through handson experiences on September 27, 2025, at no cost.
8,807
highest attendance since COVID
Free Event
2 cars
disassembled thanks to
Carter Chevrolet
67
hands-on activities
38
community partners
TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP MORE FAMILIES EXPLORE SCIENCE AND MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE.
DONATE
23
7,359 attendees at 8 community events Formerly called outreach, Science Museum Oklahoma launched On The Go, bringing hands-on science experiences to classrooms, libraries, assemblies, and community events across Oklahoma.
45,527
school-aged kids attended On The Go
TEACHER
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Science Museum Oklahoma hosted two professional development workshops this year thanks to Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma in July and November 2025, equipping educators with hands-on strategies for teaching STEAM concepts and inspiring curiosity in their classrooms and communities.
27 educators registered 17 schools represented
ed isit
raries v lib
LEARNING NEVER STOPS
45 527
REACHED BEYOND MUSEUM WALLS THROUGH ON THE GO PROGRAMS
ON THE GO
12,846 491
LARGEST ASSEMBLY
TITLE 1 SCHOOLS FIELD TRIPPERS
52,228
703 487
RURAL FIELD TRIPS
MOST ATTENDED DAY
STEM CAMPERS (ages 4-12)
8 807
GUESTS VISITED OUR COMMUNITY EVENT
THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT CAN BE FOUND IN EVERY CORNER OF THE MUSEUM AND BEYOND.
597 590
“
I love the Science Museum, it’s a gem of Oklahoma.
”
– URSULA BOWLING, GUEST & DONOR
GUESTS WALKED THROUGH OUR DOORS THIS YEAR
11 AUDIENCE-NOMINATED AWARDS BEST MUSEUM
BEST
FAMILY ATTRACTION
BEST CAMPS
BEST
AND MORE!
PLACE TO SPEND A RAINY DAY
“
This museum drew my kids in, was so hands on, open, engaging and kid and adult friendly. It was more like a science playground with tons of interactive exhibits with staff working side-by-side with the kids.
– KELLI, GUEST
”
10 267
MEMBERS
VISITED
235 116
TIMES
129 127
GUESTS EXPERIENCED THE LOVE’S PLANETARIUM
2,555
PLANETARIUM SHOWS LAST YEAR
1,794
GUESTS ATTENDED SPANISH PLANETARIUM SHOWS
THE FUN (AND WEIRD) NUMBERS
2,164
LIVE SHOWS
<
1,832 EXPLOSIONS EQUALING THE REACTION OF 2.2 TONS OF TNT
WRITTEN IN OUR PLANETARIUM SYSTEM
193
EMPLOYEES
18
BOARD MEMBERS
42
YEARS
(COW) EYEBALLS DISSECTED AT HOMESCHOOL DAY
OF
smART SPACE
3 SMO21s
18,118/> NEW LINES OF CODE
10
40,796
6,385,000
VIDEO VIEWS ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA
HISTORICAL MUSEUM PHOTOS CATALOGUED
219,036
HOURS WORKED BY STAFF
“
SOLD OUT
3 TRAVELING EXHIBITIONS
3,411
VOLUNTEER HOURS GIVEN
As someone committed to strengthening Oklahoma’s communities and economy, I know our future depends on investing in education, innovation, and the next generation. I’m honored to serve on the Board of Science Museum Oklahoma and support its mission to inspire lifelong curiosity and learning.
– ALBA WEAVER
”
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, OG&E
Women in STEAM invites middle and high school students to explore hands-on activities, connect with professionals, and discover the many paths available in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. By helping students see themselves reflected in the people and careers shaping our world, partners like Women’s Energy Network open doors to future possibilities. An additional special thank you to Simple Modern for helping make this day possible.
70
schools
26
1,888
Title 1 schools
registrations
37
schools districts
18
counties
with backgrounds in geology, s t s gy eli o m , l n g e n d i i r c o al resear a ee ch & ec ngin 5p e l a mic e ch
HELP US SHOW MORE STUDENTS THAT THEY BELONG IN STEAM.
DONATE
& On June 11, 2026, Space Day and Sally’s Night invited guests to explore, discover, and imagine a future among the stars. Supported by Bank of Oklahoma, the events celebrated the achievements of Dr. Sally Ride and other women in astronomy while inspiring the next generation of explorers, helping drive a 170% increase in attendance for Sally’s Night this year.
12
activities Love’s 5 Planet ar shows ium
170%
674
attendance increase
attendees
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“
At Bank of Oklahoma, we know today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators. We’re proud to support an organization that sparks curiosity, encourages discovery and helps young people build skills that will serve them for years to come.
– VONNIE GARNER, VICE PRESIDENT SENIOR REGIONAL COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER AT BANK OF OKLAHOMA
”
Elemental Ball celebrated its third year of bringing together philanthropy, curiosity, and community in support of Science Museum Oklahoma’s mission on March 27th. Through an evening of hands-on science experiences and meaningful connections, guests and sponsors helped light the path for future generations.
Presenting sponsors:
OG&E Devon Energy Dr. Sean McElroy Lancer Hospitality The Chickasaw Nation
13 activities
2026 Co mpletely
Sold-out event
S AV E T H E DAT E
April 30, 2027
DONATE
200+s to
Acceler ate of CoLA d the creation B, home Maker of our Artist I n Resid ence program
n donatio ds-on fuel han science
Funded 7 new science program days
Created new camp scholarships for children in foster care and Title 1 schools
Launched smART Talks into a feature of every gallery opening
THANK YOU FOR FUELING CURIOSITY, CHAMPIONING DISCOVERY, AND PROVING THAT WHEN A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER, THE POSSIBILITIES ARE LIMITLESS.
LEADERSHIP AND BOARD LEADERSHIP Sherry Marshall John E. Kirkpatrick President/CEO Janean Brown Vice President of Finance Heather Johnston Vice President of Programs & Education Duane LaChance Vice President of IT & Cybersecurity Melody Muniz Vice President of Guest Services Tara Simmons Vice President of Development Allen Voyles Vice President of Exhibits & Operations
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Peggy Kates – Chair Alba Weaver – Vice Chair Garrett Jackson – Treasurer Natalie Ramsey – Secretary Alexis LoPresto – Immediate Past Chair Lori Boyd; Catherine Armitage; John Barthell, Ph.D.; Brian Byrnes; Kristopher Kettner; Thomas Lewis II; Brooke Martin; John Pham; Frank Wang, Ph.D.; Kimber Shoop; Amy Blackburn; Melissa Harris; Erik Salazar; James Farris (Emeritus)
LIGHT A PATH Your donation impacts more than just the 600,000 people through our doors each year, it reaches into our rural and Title 1 communities as well. Where do you see your impact in action?
$50 – Ignite Curiosity Spark hands-on discovery through interactive science experiences that turn moments of “Wow!” into a lifelong love of learning.
$100 – Make Science Accessible Your gift helps ensure every child can experience the wonder of science by providing sensory support that makes the museum welcoming and inclusive.
$250 – Inspire Tomorrow’s Innovators Your gift gives a student and teacher the opportunity to attend our Women in STEAM Conference, opening their eyes to new possibilities and helping students see themselves as future innovators.
$500 – Empower Extraordinary Teachers Equip teachers with professional development, classroom materials, and standardsaligned lessons that extend the impact of our outreach programs to every student they teach.
$1,000 – Bring Science to Their School Your gift brings the excitement of live, hands-on science directly to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it at the museum.
$2,500 – Create Wonder That Lasts Help sustain and grow the interactive experiences that inspire hundreds of thousands of visitors to explore, discover, and dream about what’s possible.
DONATE
THANK YOU TO OUR CONT I NUUM DONORS Allied Arts Jenna Anaya Sarah Anderson Argosy Foundation ARL Bio Pharma John and Catherine Armitage BancFirst Bank of Oklahoma Brian Barnes Kieran Barrows-Beaty John Barthell Michael Bastian Lee and Sherry Beasley Gabrielle Belden David and Susan Bennett Nick and Leigh Bentley Natalie Biggs Jeff and Amy Blackburn Jon and Lissa Blaschke The Boldt Company Jon and Jana Bowers Bobbi and Lori Boyd Adam Brooks Robert and Karen Browne Family Fund Brian and Ashley Byrnes Carter Chevrolet Steven Chatham The Chickasaw Nation Kelly Clark Richard and Melissa Clements Ed and Matilda Clements Heath and Liz Clinton Continental Resources, Inc. Bill Cress Mike Deeba Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation Lauren Dennison Devon Energy Diamonds Direct Richard and Becky Drennen Tiffany Eitzmann Jordan and Na’Cole Elledge Mark Engel Noah Engh and Rachel Cannon James and Miki Farris
Vahid Farzaneh Richard and Shaynee Felton First United Bank Colin and Mary FitzSimons Freestyle Molly Fuhrman Ghost Erin Glasgow John and Alexa Goetzinger Elizabeth Goetzinger Akshaya Gopalakrishnan Erick and Melissa Harris Mandy Heaps Virginia Hefner McKee Heather Hiller Jerry Hire HoganTaylor LLP Home Creations Lexy Huffman Michael Hurst Jared Hutchinson and Elizabeth Farabee Elizabeth Hylton IBC Bank Inasmuch Foundation Garrett and Cassie Jackson Rich and Lauren Johnson Robert “Buddy” Johnson Jordan and Heather Johnston Peggy Kates Dane Kaylor and Sandy Truong Chris Keesee Kris and Kate Kettner Mickey and Kym Koch Thompson Eri Kyuragi and Brian Mickey Duane and Jennifer LaChance Andy and Ashley Lacks Rusty and Mandy LaForge Lancer Hospitality Group Thomas and Hope Lewis Seth Lewis Heather Linder Christopher Lloyd and Erik Salazar Cory Lloyd Deborah Lloyd Richmond Logan
Alexis LoPresto Paula Love Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores Todd and Sherry Marshall BJ and Brooke Martin Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma McAfee & Taft Lindsey McCarty Sean McElroy Monica A Dionisio PLLC Tony and Marian Moon Romel Muex-Pullen NBA Foundation Lynn Neumeister Phi Nguyen Larry and Polly Nichols The Oklahoma City Thunder OG&E Oklahoma City Redevelopment Authority Oklahoma Community Cares Foundation Oklahoma EPSCoR Oklahoma Humanities Oklahoma Zoological Society Don and Sylvia Otto Our Blood Institute Candace Pahl Mark Pahl Meagan Panter Frank Parker John and Leslie Pham Phase2 Philip Boyle Charitable Foundation Presbyterian Health Foundation LiErin Probasco Process Curiosity QUAD Construction Jason and Natalie Ramsey Thomas Ray REES Associates, Inc. Rich & Cartmill Insurance Roberta Roads Paul Ross Rick Russell Rowell Sargeant and Marion Paden-Sargeant Justice Scaramucci G. Karl Schaefer Cooper Scott Elizabeth Scott
Dennis and Deborah Shannon Kerri Shelton Jay Sherrill Sherwood Law Firm Kimber and Jennifer Shoop Roe and Tara Simmons Simple Modern Gregory Skuta Steve and Linda Slawson Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, LLC John and Katherine Spaid Spears Law Office Joseph Stall Jeff and Sally Starling Mike and Kathy Steffen Snigdha Stevenson Tom Stevenson Michael and Dawne Sullivan Brittney Taggart Mary Anne Taylor Adam and Neely Thomas Robert Tichio Aaron and Kara Trahan Ty and Jenny Tyler University of Central Oklahoma Geetika Verma Jordan Von Netzer and Paul Steinke Gregory and Traci Walton Frank and Judy Wang Kristina Waters Ulrey Hardy and Kari Watkins Matthew and Alba Weaver Amy Weyrich Heather Whiteside William E. Davis and Margaret H. Davis - Charles and Libbi Davis Legacy Fund Women’s Energy Network Oklahoma Foundation Eric and Christi Woodworth Rachel Wright James Wright Sarah Yoakam Jeff Young
100 ways
TO OPEN A DOOR
100 PEOPLE
$100
100 DAYS
Some children know Science Museum Oklahoma only from the car window. Every gift helps keep the doors of discovery open for everyone. Join 100 supporters making a $100 gift over the next 100 days. Every gift helps create the experiences, programs, and partnerships that make access possible for more Oklahoma families.
Unlock the possibilities for a potential future scientist who just needs an open door.
DONATE ENDS DECEMBER 10
ahoma chi l k l e O what’s i dre m er ns n o i d d S n e o w