We celebrated
our 21st birthday
last March

The Discovery Center was chartered in 1986 as Children’s Museum Corporation of Rutherford County to provide hands-on education opportunities for the community. After an extensive grassroots campaign orchestrated by young parents, a building was purchased and exhibits and programs were created. During its first year of operation, over 11,000 visitors came to experience the museum’s exhibits and programs. Now 23 years after its inception, the Center serves as a vibrant community and tourism center with over 120,000 children and families exploring the exhibits each year.

Mission Statement
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is a hands-on museum and nature center that inspires exploration, enhances learning, and builds confidence through diverse programs and exhibits.

Our annual objectives are to:
• Provide daily, high quality, unique programs and exhibits in arts, culture, science, health and the environment.

• Insure availability to entire community through free days, free memberships, passes.

• Remain open to the public year-round, seven days a week.

• Provide a rewarding environment for teens and adults to volunteer in their community.

Discovery Center Founders:
Dr. Joe & Billie Little
Peter & Susan MacDougall
Rosalie & David Landry
Joan & David Kellerman
Lon & Christie Nuell
 

Board of Directors
OFFICERS:
Julie Corcoran, President
Butler Touchton, Vice President
Brian Kidd, Treasurer
Bill Richmond, Parliamentarian
Brittany Wright, Secretary
David Scott, Operations
Anthony Togrye, Fundraising

DIRECTORS:
Sara Brody
Linda Gilbert
Delia Goodman
Justin Hutchens
Libby Long
Melinda Mallette
Sandra Martinez         
Shane McFarland
Debbie Price
Liz Rhea
Jennifer Shain
Mimi Thomas
Minh-Triet Tucker


STAFF:
Billie Little, Chief Executive Officer
Veronica King, Chief Financial Officer
Lisa Williams, Museum Director
Heather Abraham, Visitor Services Coordinator
Shelly Denton, Animal & Education Specialist
Bonnie Ervin, Environmental & Education Coordinator
Leif Kixmiller, Program & Education Specialist
Gloria Lame, Receptionist
Joy Loftis, Early Childhood Education Coordinator
Courtney Morgan, Program & Education Specialist
Jennifer Neal, Development Coordinator
Jessica Novak, Staff & Volunteer Coordinator
Miriam Owen, Exhibits Director
Chantel Preston, Art Program Coordinator & Gift Shop Manager
Jack Rogers, Exhibit Technician


Employment & Internships