What’s New at Raven Hill Discovery Center

April 19, 2015

Raven Hill Discovery Center is on a mission. A mission to connect science, history, and art. And with their center in East Jordan – and the fact that they’re constantly updating and adding to the center’s offerings – they’re succeeding.

We spoke with Cheri Leach, CEO and Director of Programming at Raven Hill, to see what’s new at the center for this spring and summer.

EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY

Evolving technology doesn’t just mean that Raven Hill’s upgraded their wifi. It’s actually a brand new exhibit building at the center that’s set to open on May 3rd.

"The new ET building is set out like a capital letter "˜H’ for history," Leach said.

High windows let in abundant natural light, but allow for uninterrupted exhibit space; whitewashed wooden planks line the walls, so each exhibit can have a serene background. And the floors – currently being made ready for their first appearance – are a story all their own.

"In preparation for the grand opening, the floor panels have been filled with period coverings – stone, wood or tile – and the walls are also taking on the character of different times," Leach explained.

"So visitors will be able to explore the changes in technology in daily life, tools, games, and communications from the Stone Age to the present, with Exploration Stations allowing a variety of hands-on experiences along the way."

CONFLUENCE COLLABORATION

In addition to the state-of-the-art Woodworking Shop that was donated to the center late last year – which will be used for classes as well as to build and improve other Raven Hill buildings – the center is collaborating with the Jordan River Arts Center in East Jordan for another exhibit focusing on connections.

"This show is titled Confluences, and in it both of our centers work to explore what’s behind traditional art forms in a variety of media, including metal, wood, pigment, fiber, glass, and clay," Leach said.

The special exhibit, which will be hosted over at the Jordan River center, includes Raven Hill’s display boxes of tools and technology used in the arts, as well as related artwork from local artists. Leach herself will be assisting students as they create their own copper pendant, just one of the many forms of art guests can learn about on site.

"This is a rich and comprehensive exhibit, helping visitors understand the wide variety of materials and techniques that artists use," Leach said.

RETURNING FAVORITES

For those who have never been to Raven Hill Discovery Center before, now’s a great time to make a visit. Everything gets polished up as summer begins, and many of the old favorite exhibits are just as good the tenth time through as they were the first.

"New visitors can entertain themselves for hours with hands-on light, sound, motion, magnet, and music displays, as well as the Exotic Animal Room complete with live snakes, the Earth Tones Music Garden, the Whisper Dishes (for experiments in communication), the Jurassic Park Walk, and the Ancient World exhibit, where they can climb to the top of a pyramid, visit a sphinx, walk through a Roman arch, and meet a Moai (Easter Island head)," Leach listed.

Visitors and locals can also register for special summer workshops and classes, buy tickets for the annual Summer Magic Fundraiser, or peruse the gift shop for nifty items like a Raven Hill T- shirt or freeze-dried Astronaut Ice Crème.

QUARTER CENTURY COOL

Raven Hill Discovery Center turns 25 this summer, and they’ll start celebrating on August 15 with a major special event sponsored by the Raven Hill Discovery Center Amateur Radio Club.

"This is a ham radio affair, where we get a special call sign (W8R) and will spend the day contacting other ham radio operations from all over the world," Leach explained. "Each twoway contact will be sent a special certificate of celebration and participation."

But that’s only the beginning – the 25th anniversary celebraiton will continue all year and will wrap up next summer at the July 2016 fundraising event, so keep an eye on the center’s calendar for more fun.

Additional events so far will include two STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/ Math) workshops for teachers in June helmed by a NASA education specialist; the Radio Club’s Field Day also in June; this year’s July fundraiser with its old-fashioned gaming theme and silent auction; the Transportation Challenges Day in August; plus workshops in painting, fly-tying, and much more.

"There are so many connections to be made that help our visitors understand their world," Leach said. "So the center appeals to all ages and diverse interests. Everyone will find something to entertain or challenge them at Raven Hill Discovery Center."

Raven Hill Discovery Center is located at 4737 Fuller Road in East Jordan, telephone 231-526-3369. They may be found online at ravenhilldiscoverycenter.org