Our Mission and Vision
Mission To inspire a lifelong quest for discovery through educational and interactive science.
Vision To be the premier provider of engaging science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experiences.
Sci-Quest’s grassroots beginnings set the stage for many exciting developments in a relatively short period of time.
1989
First meeting of concerned citizens lead to plans for the North Alabama Science Center (NASC) and the formal incorporation as a 501(c)(3)
A. Eugene Sapp selected as 1st president
1991
Volunteers and Board of Directors begin work on a master plan
1992
Master plan published (updated in 1995)
1993
Calhoun Community College purchases the old Chrysler Electronics plant
1994
NASC board announces the center would locate in the old Chrysler plant warehouse
Horton Webb selected as executive director and Julian Campbell selected as 2nd president
1995
Major capital fund raising campaign launched
1996
Volunteers renovate parts of Calhoun Community College as a temporary facility
1997
Capital campaign continues
1998
NASC moves into its permanent locations and adopts the name Sci-Quest
1999
Grants from NASA and Appalachian Regional Commission enable Sci-Quest to acquire 120 interactive exhibits
Open to the public
2005
Education outreach program begins
2nd grant received from IMLS to improve & expand educational program offerings
2008
Sci-Quest attendance exceeds 500,000
Virtual Vortex opens in Immersive Theater (NSF Grant funded)
New Executive Director named
2009
American Association of Museums (AAM) conducts on-site assessment
Distance learning equipment purchased and installed in Jane K. Lowe classrooms (Funded by Leadership Connect Class as group project)
Education Programs expanded into Middle School age groups – reaching through 9th grade students
Early Childhood program developed reaching kids from 2 – 5 years of age (Sprouting Scientists)
Robotics Program initiated for middle school students
Outreach programs expanded to reach a 23 county area throughout North Alabama and South Central Tennessee
Initiated Career Quest and Expanding Your Horizons Programs
Sci-Quest attendance reaches 100,000 for the year for the first time in history
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama opens a new exhibit highlighting the motors they make in the Tennessee Valley
2011
In house and outreach education programs continue to expand
High school programs introduced reaching through 12th grade students. Focus areas for HS include Robotics, computer programming and modeling and simulation
New exhibits open to the public including “Cells; Life in a Pond” sponsored by Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology; “Alternative Energy Sources” sponsored by The Tennessee Valley Authority; “The Weather Station” sponsored by WHNT News 19
2012
Sci-Quest receives 12-month notice to vacate
Sci-Quest plans it’s new location in Madison
2013
Sci-Quest closes to the public on Nov. 30 to move to a new location in Huntsville
2014
Sci-Quest reopens to the public in a new location at 1435 Paramount Drive in Huntsville