Danville Science Center Serves as Catalyst in Downtown Revitalization
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Butterflies, trains, science and history – oh my!
At the Danville Science Center, partially housed in the 1899 Southern Railway Passenger Station at the Crossing at the Dan, learning about the world is interesting and fun.
Since it opened in December 1995, giving new life to the abandoned, city-owned historic train depot, DSC has been a major draw for visitors throughout the region. The spectacular Butterfly Station and Garden, added in 1999, is a seasonal highlight from April to October for people of all ages.
“Every day is something new,” says Jeff Liverman, executive director of the DSC for the past five years. “It’s exciting to be part of an organization where you can really see the impact you have on a community. The presence of the science center has changed the immediate area where we are – the tobacco warehouse area of Danville. But it’s been a sign of change for the whole region as well.
“The economy in this area is somewhat challenged in that some of the major industries, such as tobacco and textiles, have left for one reason or another,” Liverman says. “This community and the people here just pitched in and said ‘we’re going to change our economy and we’re going to look to a new way of doing things.’ And I think science and technology education is a signal that they really are looking to change.”
DSC, which welcomes as many as 27,000 visitors annually, has exhibits and programs for children as young as age 1 to adults. Partnering with teachers to enhance classroom instruction is also a priority. The center offers teacher workshops and even takes programs to schools.
“Our mission is science education for all Virginians,” Liverman says.
The center’s 120 volunteers are key to its success, as is community support, Liverman adds. Forty percent of DSC’s operating money comes from the state, 10 percent is from admissions and fees and a full 50 percent comes from the community.
“Our community is not just behind DSC, it provides an enormous amount of support – whether it’s volunteer time, contributions or pitching in,” Liverman says.
Forest Hills Elementary School teacher Katri Pavord says she takes her fourth- and fifth-graders to experience DSC each year.
“I’ve had fantastic experiences there year after year,” Pavord says. “By taking students to a place where they can do things themselves and actually see [science concepts] in an environment other than school helps them internalize information.”
One of the most special weekends during the year is the spring opening of the Butterfly Station and Garden, overseen by gardener Allison Bellamy. The butterflies are in a screened-in greenhouse area surrounded by a garden.
“The garden changes from week to week,” Bellamy says. “There is almost always something in bloom. It evolves all during the season, and the type of butterflies we have changes.
“It’s a life cycle you can watch,” she adds. “Butterflies are so beautiful. I think of them as an ambassador into the insect world. If you were ever there, you wouldn’t have to ask why I enjoy it. It’s a wonderful, peaceful place to be.”
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Story by Anne Gillem
Photo by Todd Bennett
