ROCKINGHAM — Discovery Place Kids Rockingham has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the North Carolina Science Museums Grant Program, according to a press release from the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
The funding will support STEM education efforts at the museum as part of statewide awards ranging from $11,338.50 to $75,000. The grants were applied to institutions’ 2025-26 fiscal year budgets, with similar awards planned for the new fiscal year.
“The program is one of the many ways that the State of North Carolina invests in sustaining and advancing one of the most diverse and widespread networks of science museums in the country,” read the press release.
Grants were awarded using criteria aligned with state priorities, with a focus on expanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, particularly in low-resource communities.
“The North Carolina Science Museums Grant Program helps fund critical science education in all parts of our state,” said Pamela B. Cashwell, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). “These grants will increase access to STEM experiences no matter where you live in North Carolina.”
“North Carolina has more science museums than any other state and this funding supports them as they advance informal science education,” said Denise Young, director of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, a division of DNCR.
The grant announcement comes as Discovery Place Kids Rockingham prepares to celebrate its 13th anniversary. The museum will host a birthday celebration Sunday, Feb. 22, from 1 to 5 p.m., offering free admission to the first 200 guests.
“Reaching 13 years is an exciting milestone for Discovery Place Kids–Rockingham and a true reflection of the families, educators and partners who have supported us along the way,” said Angela Watkins, Director of Discovery Place Kids–Rockingham in a press release. “We are proud to be a place where children and families can learn through play, and we look forward to continuing to grow alongside our community for many years to come.”
Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be reserved online while supplies last. Planned activities include birthday-themed science shows featuring rainbow test tubes and exploding gummy bears, DIY birthday cake slime and celebratory cupcakes.
Community leaders said the museum’s presence continues to benefit families across Richmond County.
“The enthusiasm and excitement that marked the opening of Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham 13 years ago remains as strong as ever, highlighting what can be achieved when local governments, businesses, individuals and foundations unite for a common purpose,” said Gene McLaurin, a Discovery Place trustee and former Mayor of Rockingham. “The ongoing collaboration with Discovery Place and its staff has brought outstanding resources and programming to families and children throughout the area. The Rockingham community deeply appreciates this lasting partnership, and is honored to be part of the Discovery Place family.”
“It was truly exciting all those years ago to hear that Discovery Place was considering a satellite location in Rockingham, and the community really rallied behind the idea,” said John Hutchinson, Mayor of Rockingham. “When Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham first opened, my wife and I had two children under five and a third on the way. They all grew up with Discovery Place as a part of our community. To see children so eager to visit because they love it so much really highlights what a great resource the museum is for families and children in our community.”
Popular exhibits at the museum include the Vulcan Quarry, highlighting local industry, and four science research stations exploring astronomy, weather, nature and underground environments.
“Discovery Place Kids–Rockingham plays a vital role in creating meaningful learning experiences for children and families in this region,” said Dr. Nikki Hill, Chief Learning Officer at Discovery Place. “Through hands-on exhibits and engaging programs, the Museum sparks learning that extends far beyond its walls. We are proud to celebrate 13 years of impact and the strong community that makes this work possible.”