It seems that most everyone enjoys celebrations (unless maybe it’s a birthday on the downhill side of life that reminds you of the sand emptying out of your personal hourglass—kind of where I’m getting to.)

While COSI has been around since 1964, it was November 6 ten years ago when the institution moved its operations to 333 West Broad.

I wasn’t here but I understand the opening garnered widespread international publicity. From architectural magazines in Japan to Vogue to Time magazine’s two-page spread, the new building was trumpeted far and wide. Throw in Kathy Sullivan, a record setting female astronaut as the COSI leader and a building designed by a world famous architect and you have created many special elements to that opening.

So we can’t possibly let this anniversary go by without a celebration!

I’ll be at my daughter’s wedding, a higher priority, but it’s still with regret that I won’t be here to see how the community will celebrate with COSI this Saturday. (Okay, Saturday is the 7th, but close enough

The number 10 will be themed in many ways—from the $10 admission for adults to the 10 times 100 cookies from Cheryl & Co. that will be handed out while they last.

I can’t be there—but I hope you’ll stop by for all the special activities, rates and prizes.

Here is some more info and some impressive and interesting facts about our facility.
Let me know how the day goes and send pictures!

I’ve been in education of one form or another for 37 years—having first stepped into a classroom on my own in 1972 as a precocious 20 year old. So I think I’ve built up a body of knowledge and experience by this time. As COSI’s president I’ve drawn upon that experience extensively and feel fairly comfortable with my knowledge base.

But I’ve been reminded at our international conference what great minds we have in this field—drawn from all over the world. I just sat next to Dennis Bartels, the Exploratorium’s director, on an ASTC panel at this annual conference. We were responding to a recent Carnegie Commission report on educational reform. With the other panelists (all colleagues and friends) we had all participated in the working sessions leading to the report.

I’ve known Dennis for years. We’re both Cleveland kids, we both have educational backgrounds and early on we were interested in each other’s doctoral research. And we both started our CEO careers close to the same time.

But when his turn came to comment and remark on the educational research and constructs that he thinks from, I was reminded what a deep and informed thinker Dennis is. I wish I could have given up my time for panel comments to give Dennis more time I benefitted so much to listening to his remarks.

And Dennis is just one of a number of my colleagues who brings a broad and diverse background, impressive intellect, and eloquence to play into our conversations. Whether it’s at a conference session or over a glass of wine (more so the latter I’m always blessed with informative and entertaining conversations at our conference. I think it is what makes the science museum field so satisfying on a personal basis beyond our own local work. It’s worth the flight delays and time away from the office to make the conference each year—now my 23rd in a row!

I am at the ASTC conference in Fort Worth, Texas right now.

Been having great conversations with colleagues on topics such as bringing more current science into our centers. Paul Tatter and I have talked for years about different approaches to science engagement. And
he’s really provided a great model at Explora in NM. In all these years though I’d never known of his musical background– until he and the Explora band performed at the conference banquet!!

Always amazed at the wide array of talents in the science center field. Except for me;-)

Right now I am at the Association of Science & Technology Centers annual conference in Texas.

Always great to think about the impact and potential science centers have as a resource to our communities. Spending all day with other board members from all over the world–so we get such a broad array of perspectives! Point came up again that worldwide science centers collectively have an annual attendance of roughly 300 million!!

Such a great foundation for us to play a larger role in addressing science based issues our communities. I know I’m already gathering some ideas and opportunities to help our efforts at COSI.

Thank goodness for modern electronics—here I am now 3 hours after plane supposed to depart with what looks like several more to go. We’re waiting for a big storm system between us and Ft. Worth to become passable so I can get to the ASTC (Association of Science-Technology Centers) international conference.

To some degree this is ok—13 hrs of meetings as a board and committee member between today and tomorrow that I’m not fully prepped for. Doesn’t matter what city I’ll be in—I’ll spend the next few days in windowless, stifling hotel meeting rooms. At least I’ll be with good colleagues and friends from all over the world. We will be discussing and planning the future of ASTC and our field and individual centers against important society needs.

COSI is being recognized more and more as a leader in the field again so I need to be “on my game” and ready—so here I sit with computer and electronic page after page of reports and background info—some of which I’ve had to generate and now updating sitting in this uncomfortable airport seat. Hopefully I can move to an uncomfortable plane seat sometime in the near future!