Located just north of downtown Dayton, Ohio, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery was formed as a result of the merger of the boards of directors of the Dayton Museum of Natural History and the Dayton Children's Museums. Originally known as the Dayton Museum of Discovery, this museum was opened in 1996 and changed its name in 1999 to honor Oscar Boonshoft, one of the museum's most dedicated supporters.
The two institutions merged due to the similarity in their mission statements. The combined mission now states that it is the vision of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery to be the "premier regional provider of interactive science learning experiences while enriching the lives of children and adults, enhancing the quality of life in our community, and promoting a broad understanding of the world.'' The museum also strives to "preserve, protect, and enhance the Museum's anthropology, geology, paleontology, and biology collections, and to make these collections available for exhibition, education, and research purposes.''
Today, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is a combination children's museum, science and technology center, and an accredited zoo. While geared largely towards elementary-aged children, it does indeed attract all ages and is diverse enough to entertain adults as well as young visitors.
The exhibits at the museum include Science on a Sphere, a 68 inch-diameter suspended globe that helps visitors explore astronomical phenomena; Hall of the Universe, where guests learn about the solar system; Oscar Boonshoft Science Central, where hands-on fun is the name of the game and kids can play with a Bernoulli Blower, a Gravitron, and more fun devices; and Explorers Crossing, a make-believe town includes a courthouse, veterinary clinic, lodge, grocery store, dress-up area and more. This "town'' also teaches kids the importance of recycling and educates them on other environmental issues.
Other permanent exhibits include the fully-enclosed Mead Tree House, where kids learn about birds and other animals; the African Room, home of the Neisur Mummy and other ancient artifacts; the Sonoran Desert exhibit, which lets kids experience the desert ecosystem; the Bieser Discovery Center, where guests can study reptiles, insects, and mammals and examine fossils, minerals, and more; and the Tidal Pool, opened for limited hours but a great place to learn about small marine life.
The Kids' Playce is designed especially for children 6 and under and includes a tree house and slide, a fossil pit, building blocks, a pioneer log cabin, and a baby garden for the museum's youngest visitors. Temporary exhibits also visit the Boonshoft Museum regularly.
The Charles E. Exley Wild Ohio Zoo spotlights native Ohio wildlife found in a variety of different habitats such as prairie, wetland, and forest. The most popular animals at this zoo, accredited by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums, are the river otters, which were rescued from the wild and rehabilitated at the museum.
Special programs at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery are held daily and include hands-on experiments, story times, and visits with live animals. A small planetarium also offers daily shows on the wonders of the sky. Community events are also frequent and include activities for all ages.
Admission to this 94,000 square-foot museum is reasonably priced and the museum offers several days each year when admission is free to the general public. Vending machines are available inside the museum or guests are welcome to bring their own food.
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