As Discovery Space prepares to move to a new, larger location this fall, the nonprofit interactive children’s science museum has hired a campaign director to manage fundraising efforts.
Selden W. Smith, a who is retiring as director of major gifts in Penn State’s College of Eberly Science, will lead the fundraising campaign for the move to a building on North Atherton Street.
Discovery Space announced in April that it was moving from its spot at 112 W. Foster Ave. in downtown State College, where it has been located since opening in 2011, to a larger property at 1224 N. Atherton St. The new space is a 17,800 square foot building that formerly housed Keystone Church, Just Cabinets and Commercial Printing Inc.
Smith is a State College native and Penn State alumnus who has been involved with Discovery Space since before its opening six years ago. He has more than 25 years of fundraising experience, and over the years, he has come up with a number of fundraising ideas for Discovery Space.
“Selden brings a unique mix of experience and insight,” Executive Director Michele Crowl said in a news release. ‘He’s been giving us creative ideas and invaluable advice for years.”
Crowl said in April that Discovery Space has been at maximum capacity for its programs for the past two years and that the move to a new location will enable the museum to meet more requests for events such as field trips and birthday parties.
Discovery Space, Smith said, fills a community and national need.
“A community our size just isn’t complete without a science museum,” he said. “It’s one of the things that makes this a great place to live and to raise kids. And in the bigger picture, it’s essential for the next generation to be scientifically literate if the U.S. is going to be a major player on the world stage.”
He added that he believes the local community will come through to support Discovery Space’s effort to offer more opportunities.
“I have a great deal of confidence in this campaign, because I know that this community — and especially the philanthropic leaders of this community — believe in the mission of Discovery Space,” Smith said. “It’s already a great place. With the right support from the community, I think the sky’s the limit.”
Discovery Space expects to open in the new location in September.
