A worthy mission
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Kurt Johnson
More than a quarter of a century after his passing, Harold “Doc” Edgerton’s passion for hands-on learning lives on in his hometown. In fact, the center that bears his name in Aurora has grown in stature, preserving Edgerton’s legacy while also planting seeds for young people to study and pursue science without their even knowing it.
The Edgerton Explorit Center had reason to celebrate at this year’s annual fundraising gala. Officially, it’s been 26 years since the center opened its doors, though like so many other events the silver anniversary celebration was cancelled last year due to COVID-19. Executive Director Mary Molliconi and her staff were hard at work during that pandemic pause, however, finally getting to debut the results of their “down time” efforts last week while also sharing some inspiring news. 2020 was a challenging time, to be sure, but the center survived and in fact looks to be stronger than ever.
Guests at last week’s gala were treated to a tour of the new-look basement venue, which has been completely renovated to echo the fun, vibrant, hands-on learning vibe offered on the main level for more than 25 years. The extra space was needed, Molliconi explained, because of the growing demand for visiting school groups, after-school programming and summer camps. The extra 1,000 sq. ft adds a new dimension to the center, appropriately to be known as the “Discover-It Zone.”
Molliconi reported that the number of people reached each year through the Edgerton Center has grown to more than 200,000, a staggering sum by any measure. Those totals have ballooned in recent years with the expansion of the Edgerton on the Move program which takes exhibits to school districts across the state, as well as the expanding series of summer camps.
Such impressive numbers are part of the reason the center earned recognition as the state’s No. 1 tourist attraction, according to the Nebraska Tourism Commission, which in and of itself is an outstanding badge of honor. Aurora has a number of facilities and organizations which make it unique, and the Edgerton Explorit Center is most definitely high on the list. It gives guests a reason to come here, often leaving impressed with what they saw and experienced.
True to form, the community showed its support, raising more than $80,000 in an event designed to fund future programming. That reflects the same commitment and vision local leaders had when first floating a balloon to build a center in Edgerton’s honor, which had to be considered a risky venture for such a small town some 25 years ago.
More importantly, staying true to Doc Edgerton’s vision, this center is all about lighting the fire for young people to play with, explore and get excited about science. The testimonial from Journey Noyes was perhaps the most important message of the evening, in that regard, putting a smiling face on the center’s mission and record of success.
Doc Edgerton would be proud.
-- Kurt Johnson
