History
In 2008, the City of Fort Collins Museum (FCM) and Discovery Science Center (DSC) signed an agreement forming a public-private partnership to create a new cultural and scientific icon in Northern Colorado. In June 2009, Discovery Science Center moved in to the Fort Collins Museum building as a transitional step to the new museum facility. Prior to becoming partners, each institution had a rich and accomplished history of its own.
fort collins museum
The Fort Collins Museum (FCM) presents history and culture in a dynamic way that allows visitors to "learn, reflect, and have fun." The three-dimensional, tactile approach is fostered through the mission to engage and inspire audiences to explore the legacies of the peoples and environments of the Cache La Poudre River region. It is the oldest collecting museum in Fort Collins, and the only one focusing on preserving the cultural and natural heritage of our community and the surrounding region.
The Fort Collins Museum began as the Pioneer Museum in 1941 with the help of the Indian Relic Hobby Club, the Pioneer Association, and the Daughters of Colorado Pioneers. Operated by the City of Fort Collins, the Museum's first curator was Clyde Brown, a member of the Indian Relic Hobby Club and a Fort Collins native. By 1976, the Pioneer Museum had outgrown its small building and relocated into the historic 1904 Carnegie Library building and became the Fort Collins Museum. The Museum is part of the City of Fort Collins and has evolved into a regional center focusing on area history and culture, serving over 40,000 visitors a year.
The Fort Collins Museum's collection totals over 30,000 artifacts, including a significant collection of Folsom materials from the Lindenmeier Archaeological Site north of Fort Collins, agricultural implements, household necessities, paintings, and clothing, reflecting the diversity and values of the peoples of the Cache la Poudre River valley. Multiple galleries feature temporary and permanent exhibitions, and four historic structures – three cabins and a schoolhouse – reside in the outdoor Heritage Courtyard. In 2007, the Local History Archive was relocated to the FCM from the Fort Collins Regional Library District. This relocation resulted in the addition of 1,050 linear feet of archive materials and books to the FCM's collection. The Museum also offers a variety of on-going educational programs and activities including workshops, lectures, and tours to complement exhibitions. Conservation and preservation of historic materials and structures held in public trust are also substantial parts of the FCM's activities.
discovery science center
Discovery Science Center (DSC) was founded in 1989 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to provide enjoyable, hands-on explorations in science and technology for the region. It had its beginnings as a grassroots movement in 1985 when a group of civic-minded people united to discuss the idea of establishing a children's museum in Fort Collins. The name "Discovery Science Center" was chosen to reflect the organization's desire to appeal to all ages. By 1992, DSC had expanded from 3,000 square feet to 6,000 square feet, and, through a partnership with the Poudre School District and Colorado State University, DSC moved to Barton Elementary School, where it provides over 15,000 square feet of exhibition and programming space.
Since 1993, DSC has grown to become a community icon, welcoming 40,000 visitors each year and housing more than 120 interactive exhibits designed to engage learners of all ages, offering an array of planetarium shows, overnight camp-ins, and classes, and making all these resources highly accessible by providing scholarships and free family memberships to qualified participants.
Discovery Science Center fosters science literacy among the community’s school aged children by providing challenging, enriching opportunities in hands-on science education, helping ensure that they develop a passion for life-long learning. Since 1993, Discovery Science Center has also hosted the Poudre School District’s annual Science Fair.
