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 22 years after its inception, the Center serves as a vibrant community and tourism center with nearly 100,000 children and families exploring the exhibits each year.

Mission Statement
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is a hands-on museum and nature center dedicated to inspiring and educating children and strengthening families through creative play.

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

• 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:
Edwin D. Jernigan, President
Bill Richmond, Vice President
J. Paul Vaughan, Treasurer
Sumner Bouldin, Parliamentarian
Jana Rogers, Secretary
Brian Sears, Human Resources
Pedro Reyes, Community Relations
Julie Corcoran, Operations
David Scott, Fundraising

DIRECTORS:
Jon Baker
Alison Drowota
Angela Floyd
Delia Goodman
Marilyn Mathis                
Shane McFarland
Liz Rhea
Kathy Ryan
Todd Stroh
Jim Stubblefield
Mimi Thomas
Butler Touchton
Minh-Triet Tucker
Paul Willson
Bill Wright
 

STAFF:
Billie Little, Executive Director
Rachel Anderson, Director of Education & Visitor Services
Gretchen Campbell, Director of Operations & Public Programs
Brenda DiVincenzo, Volunteer Coordinator
Bonnie Ervin, Curriculum Coordinator
Roda Ferraro, Director of Exhibits & Collections
Wendell Jones, Custodial & Maintenance Technician
Gloria Lame, Receptionist
Ann Mapp, Director of Marketing & PR
Tammy Miller, Early Childhood Education Coordinator
Jennifer Neal, Development Coordinator
Meredith Peck, Visitor Services Coordinator
 

Employment & Internships

Media Room – Coming soon