REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
In 2024, we reflected on the incredible lives and lasting impact of our founders, Ilma Levine and Debbie Levin, following their passing. Their legacy lives on—in families exploring bubbles in our Science Park, in curious children observing Bonito, our rainbow boa, or excavating toy animals from ice using tools, in summer campers launching rockets,
and in second graders engineering windmills. Every day, we invite children and adults to embrace their inner scientists, and we have the privilege of watching the joyful exploration and discovery that is sparked.
This November marked my fifth anniversary as Executive Director of this
remarkable place, and I am quickly approaching my 15th anniversary as a member of the Sciencenter team. I am so proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to build on the vision of two extraordinary women who, with our community’s support, brought the Sciencenter to life.
This annual report is a moment to celebrate all we have accomplished together over the past year. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
MICHELLE KORTENAAR Executive Director
HONORING LEGACY: CELEBRATING OUR CO-FOUNDERS IN MEMORIAM
Our beloved co-founders, Ilma Levine and Debbie Levin, passed away in 2024, just seven months apart. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of curious minds and is honored through our Discovery Space, dedicated in their name.
The Sciencenter welcomed 101,800 visitors from all 50 states, 20 countries & 6 continents
MISSION
Cultivate an engaged community of curious, collaborative, critical thinkers.
VISION
A community where people use science as a way of understanding the world.
WE VALUE
Being a welcoming place that embraces a diversity of lived experiences.
Our place in the community, which includes our story, our reputation, and our meaningful collaborations.
Our team, both staff and volunteers, for their connections, adaptability, drive, and collaborative spirit.
Science as a lens for learning about the world.
Natural curiosity that leads to free-choice learning.
Every Head Start and Early Head Start teacher in Tompkins County participated in science professional development at the Sciencenter.
EXHIBITS
In April, the Sciencenter unveiled a pollinator-themed mural by local artist Rachel Feirman in our Family Learning Area, funded by the New York State Council of the Arts.
The mural educates families about pollination, while complementary nature-themed displays have captivated young visitors—one child frequently
asks when a nest’s last egg will hatch.
Rachel Feirman shares her inspiration: “My mission is to highlight the idea of togetherness in both nature and humanity. To create a healthier planet and address the challenges we face, we must work together as a community. Through my bold,
A POLLINATOR-THEMED MURAL BRINGS NATURE TO THE SCIENCENTER’S FAMILY LEARNING AREA
“Working with Rachel on the redesign of the Family Learning Area has truly enhanced the space. Her childhood memories of creativity at the Sciencenter have inspired her work in the Family Learning Area, making the space even more remarkable.”
Adrienne Testa Director of Exhibits & Facilities
colorful artistic style, I aim to create an idyllic nature space at the Sciencenter—one that sparks childlike joy in all who enter.”
The Family Learning Area is designed for toddlers and preschoolers to explore sensory learning and develop motor skills. Alongside the mural, the Sciencenter
has introduced interactive elements like a reading nook, sensory table, and puppets, further enriching this playful environment.
A REFRESHED LOOK
The Sciencenter completed a brand refresh, unveiling a new website and updating brand colors and fonts. In addition, we enhanced our lobby with bright paint and colorful carpet that extends into the beloved Watergates Gallery.
We maintained our 250+ interactive exhibits throughout the museum, sparking curiosity about the science surrounding us.
We featured three traveling exhibitions at the museum: GEAR UP: The Science of Bikes, Mobilab, and Attack of the Bloodsuckers!
TRAVELING EXHIBITIONS BROADENED OUR REACH TO MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
ACROSS THE U.S. & CANADA
We expanded our traveling exhibition portfolio with Mobilab, a hands-on lab by Loodo Exhibits where visitors design and test vehicles.
We moved 11 exhibitions nationwide, overcoming challenges like a frozen fuel line that stranded a truck for four days. Our team handled these situations with grace, resulting in positive feedback from renting museums.
Our exhibitions traveled
30,753
miles to museums across the country
LIVE ANIMALS
THE SCIENCENTER’S
LIVE
ANIMAL COLLECTION FEATURES
76
UNIQUE ANIMAL SPECIES
IMAGINATIVE WAYS TO
EXPLORE
Nature up close with magnification exhibit
The Mezzanine Gallery was enhanced with updated signage for the animal enclosures.
A magnification table, supported by the Legacy Foundation of Tompkins County, was also introduced, offering visitors the chance to explore specimens like a monarch butterfly wing and a sea urchin spine, providing an up-close viewing experience.
NEW ENVIRONMENTAL INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE
As part of our environmental stewardship efforts, we updated interpretive graphics for five live exhibits, highlighting the species and habitats threatened by environmental challenges.
We welcomed new additions to our animal collection, including a Shinisaurus and Electric Blue Day Geckos.
213 volunteers were trained to showcase Sciencenter animals, giving visitors an up-close experience
22,733 visitors experienced upclose encounters with sea creatures at our Tidepool Touch Tank
21,106 visitors interacted with reptiles at Meet a Reptile
PROGRAMS & PARTNERSHIPS
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
In preparation for the April 8th total solar eclipse, we expanded our eclipse education efforts by partnering with the Finger Lakes Library System to distribute Solar Eclipse Activity Kits to libraries along the path of totality.
Over the past three years, we collaborated with national organizations to develop the DIY Solar System app
and create NASA-themed activity kits. These kits were distributed to 350 museums and planetariums nationwide, reaching an estimated 2.4 million people in 2024.
The Sciencenter joined the NYS Office of Parks for a daylong viewing event at Fair Haven State Park, engaging the community in this rare celestial event.
CONNECTING EDUCATORS, EMPOWERING YOUTH
Growing climate literacy through communitydriven learning.
The Sciencenter facilitated the Ithaca Connected Learning Ecosystem (CLE), a network of educators empowering youth to explore local ecosystems and climate change through quarterly meet-ups and resource sharing.
In 2024, these efforts culminated in a summit bringing together educators from nearly 20 CLEs across the Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) Network to share successes, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.
The Sciencenter trained researchers, educators, and teachers in science communication at 25 workshops
PROGRAMS AT THE SCIENCENTER: INSPIRING CURIOSITY AND HANDS-ON LEARNING
At Science Together, children under 4 explored and experimented alongside their caregivers, building science process skills by observing, predicting, and problem-solving through hands-on activities.
Local scientists engaged with visitors during weekly Science Connections, Chemsations, and special programs, inspiring kids and families to learn more about the science around them.
FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHTS
76,615 participants discovered their inner scientist in Sciencenter programs
We engaged over 1,000 community members from rural elementary schools at Family Science Nights.
These events, hosted in partnership with local schools and PTAs, featured new activities and pop-up exhibits developed with our middle school Future Science Leaders (FSL).
One father shared how the Sciencenter made a difference for his son, an FSL participant who struggles in school. Here, his son found a space where he could engage with animals and build confidence by sharing his passion for reptiles with others.
47 community partners shared their expertise at Science Connections
2,174 children and caregivers built science process skills at Science Together
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
NEW YORK STATE SENATE’S EMPIRE AWARD
On August 6th, 2024, Senator Lea Webb presented the New York State Senate’s Empire Award to the Sciencenter, the highest honor bestowed by the State Senate for businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to their communities.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award from Senator Webb,” said Michelle Kortenaar, Executive Director. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, board, volunteers, and supporters who are
“As a proud STEM advocate, I’m honored to present the Sciencenter with the NYS Senate Empire Award. A community cornerstone, it has enriched lives and inspired learning for decades. I look forward to its lasting impact.”
Senator Lea Webb
passionate about making science accessible to everyone in our community. It reinforces our commitment to inspire a love for science and learning in people of all ages.”
The Sciencenter’s commitment to education and community
engagement exemplifies the spirit of the New York State Senate Empire Award. Senator Webb’s recognition underscores the museum’s role in inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, ensuring a brighter future for all.
2024 FINGER LAKES FAVORITES
Gold: Museum
Silver: Nonprofit Organization, Family Attraction
2024 NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY
Michelle Kortenaar: Outstanding Professional Achievement in Nonprofit Leadership AFP Finger Lakes Chapter
2024 BEST OF ITHACA
Winner: Best Venue for Kids
4,487 students explored STEM on field trips to the Sciencenter.
Every second-grader in Tompkins and Cayuga County is invited to a free field trip, and schools from surrounding areas travel up to two hours by bus to explore science.
Annual Attendance