by Lorine Parks

“Who are we, and where do we fit?” 

These are questions teen-agers often ask themselves. The Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey is now six years old, but in museum-years it could be considered to be in its adolescent stage.  These are questions it is asking too.

 

The sleek, futuristic-looking building, packed with relics from the nation's space program, was built as a museum, hands-on learning center and a national memorial to the seven astronauts who perished in a 2003 fiery breakup of the space shuttle Columbia as it reentered Earth's atmosphere.

But City officials want to wean the museum off city money and find more sustainable funding sources.  A new director, Ben Dickow, has been brought in to develop the next phase in the Museum’s life and make it relevant to the community and to the region.

As Ben, our speaker, told us, he feel the best introduction to science is having kids touch things and be inspired to carry on the legacy to Mars or to the moon.  In fact, young people who became scientists have all, by the age of 13, had some significant experience with science in their lives.

We only spend 5% of our lives in school; for the rest of our life, learning is done informally.  And this is where the Columbia Museum comes in.   Downey is at the hub of Southern California.  From Ventura to Downtown, to Orange and Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, we’ve always known that Downey is “where the freeways meet.”

 In contemporary parlance, Downey is a STEM city, where the schools emphasize science, technology, engineering and mathematics. USC, UCLA and Cal Tech are all interested in partnering in science club activities and expeditions.

Ben wants to build awareness for Downey.  As he put it, “get our face out there.”  “The springboard for inspiration is right here in Downey.”  One of the Museum’s mottos is “educate – engage – create.”  Our own community leaders such as Dr. Mary Stauffer and Councilman Roger Brossmer, are engaged with this vision for the Museum. 

Under Ben’s direction, things are happening fast: “Look out the window for more information.”  There’s a bright new website, and exterior scenic projections on the smooth walls of the building are in the works, depictions of planets and cosmic wonders, science marvels to be seen by those who drive past daily.

Ben was introduced as a “special guest,” and we hope he will bring his enthusiasm to our Club’s roster as well.