History

A Timeline of Events

Timeline

1984

January 1

1984

Dean Kamen proposed creating a science center in donated space in one of his Manchester mill buildings. Southern New Hampshire Services, Inc. agreed to assist with the project and SNHS employee Douglas Heuser secured initial funding through a Community Services Block Grant. He and Kamen formed an advisory group of local business and community leaders, Heuser was named executive director, and SEE became a component program of SNHS.

1986

January 6

1986

Initial exhibits constructed and the SEE Science Center was officially dedicated on April 1st.  5,000 visitors explored the new 4,500 square foot facility in the first year. SEE joined the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) reciprocal membership program. This continues to allow SEE members to visit over 300 science centers world-wide at no cost or reduced cost. The SEEMobile program, was created– bringing science discovery shows to schools and organizations across southern New Hampshire.

1992

May 1

1992

SEE brings the first of 8 (so far) highly successful traveling exhibits of Robotic Dinosaurs  to New Hampshire.

1998

January 1

1998

SEE moves to a larger space at 200 Bedford Street—adding many new exhibits. A new Chemistry Lab is developed to offer chemistry experimentation to students on field trips.

2000

May 1

2000

SEE hosts another successful Robotic Dinosaurs exhibit on site, allowing teachers to combine a SEE tour or lab with a Dinosaur visit for a fantastic field trip combination.

2002

May 1

2002

The First Annual Champagne Putt Fundraiser is held.

2004

May 1

2004

Additional space completely renovated and a staircase added to double the exhibit floor space of the SEE Science Center
The LEGO® Millyard Project launched.

2006

May 1

2006

SEE celebrates its 20th anniversary with record attendance.
The LEGO® Millyard Project completed and dedicated.
The SEE Mobile reaches over 1,500 students.

2011

May 1

2011

SEE becomes an IRS designated independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. SEE celebrates its 25th Anniversary.

2013

May 1

2013

Science “In the Kitchen” with Chef Nicole exhibit for Early Explorers is added. Five weeks of summer camp programming are offered for the first time.

2016

May 1

2016

SEE celebrates its 30th Anniversary and the 10th Anniversary of the LEGO® Millyard Project.

2017

May 1

2017

Community Development Finance Authority awards SEE highly competitive grant award of $200,000 in Tax Credits for new and refurbished exhibits.

2018

May 1

2018

SEE wins Entrepreneurs’ Fund AMP grant and purchases 3,000 square foot Genome exhibit, now called BiologYou.  Ten exhibits completely refurbished.