Grand Island Children's Museum

(308) 392-3457

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(308) 392-3457

Grand Island Children's Museum
  • Home
  • About
  • Location
  • Donate
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  • Contact Us

Explore Possibilities. Inspire Creativity.

About Us

EPIC Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to bring learning to life for youth and families in Central Nebraska, with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)-based activities. EPIC Discovery Center will develop the old armory building on Old Potash Highway within Ryder Park. This location was selected due to its centralized location, ease of accessibility by the community, and the adjacency to Ryder Park which is an activity hub for the Grand Island community.

 

Our Mission

The mission of EPIC Discovery Center is to engage families to explore creativity and community 

through experience-based learning and play. 


How It Started

In the summer of 2018, a small group of interested citizens began embarking on the exciting endeavor to bring a children's museum to Grand Island. This group banded together and developed a steering committee consisting of local funders, nonprofit and museum professionals, and community stakeholders. In early 2019, the Steering Committee partnered with Hastings College to complete a feasibility study to garner community interest, support, and input.  The feasibility study concluded that a children’s museum for all ages is indeed feasible to create and maintain in the community! In 2020, the Grand Island Children's Museum formed its Board of Directors.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 ALISON LARSON

Alison brings a wealth of experience and community dedication to her role. With a financial background and leadership experience, Larson spent nearly 25 years in the banking industry as a Senior Vice President, Marketing Director, and Investments Operation Manager. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions in numerous non-profit boards. In addition, she served as the Board Secretary for the Grand Island Children’s Museum (now EPIC Discovery Center) from 2021 to 2023 before resigning to pursue the Executive Director position. 


Larson continues her involvement by serving on the Grand Island Public School Foundation board. Her deep connection to Grand Island and passion for enhancing the local community makes her a great asset to EPIC. Larson envisions the forthcoming museum as a transformative force, offering innovative STEAM experiences for diverse age groups.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

 SCOTT MAZOUR

Scott brings over two decades of leadership experience in education and program development, making him a valuable addition to the EPIC team.


He served as principal at Cedar Hollow School and 1-R School, both part of Northwest Public Schools, where he spearheaded initiatives that significantly improved student achievement, developed innovative educational programs, and strengthened school-community partnerships.


Mazour will lead the development and implementation of dynamic, hands-on educational programs that align with the center’s mission. He will oversee program logistics, collaborate with educators and community partners, and enhance engagement opportunities for children and families.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kelly Henry, President

Abbie Roe, Vice President

Michele  Gotschall, Secretary

Justin Paulk, Treasurer

Peachis Amadou

Daniel Deida

 DJ Eihusen 

Laura Gamboa Urrego

 Alicia Glaser

Noemi Gomez  

Brad Kissler

Jerad Knott

 Kris McElligott 

Sue Pirnie

Amy Price 

Dana Rosacker

Audrey Rowley

Katie Shafer

Michael Stanton

Celine Swan

Maria Vasquez

GRAND ISLAND INVESTS IN GRAND ISLAND

Grand Island has seen major economic development and population growth in recent years.

5.4% population growth in the last 10 years

28% of Grand Island's population is under 18

34.7 years old is the median age in Grand Island

FEASIBILITY STUDY

LOCAL & REGIONAL TOURISM

ABOUT GRAND ISLAND

Townhall community sessions and community surveys revealed that establishing a community-supported children’s museum in Grand Island, Nebraska, is feasible. Considerable thought and development have been given to sustainable funding sources and programming quality to support and maintain such an operation far into the future. Such a sustained children’s museum would likely become a vital part of Grand Island and Central Nebraska.

LEARN MORE

ABOUT GRAND ISLAND

LOCAL & REGIONAL TOURISM

ABOUT GRAND ISLAND

Grand Island is categorized as a metropolitan statistical area and is considered the third-largest city outside of the Lincoln and Omaha areas with the population of 51,267. Grand Island is a part of the tri-cities along with Kearney and Hastings. Because of its size, many major retailers choose to have locations in the city, making Grand Island the hub of Central Nebraska.


Over the past ten years, there has been healthy growth through new construction and redevelopment for commercial and residential properties. Recent improvements and investment to tourist attractions, the Railside District, hospitality, education, and parks/rec make Grand Island an ideal place for locals and visitors.


And growth is not stopping. In the past few months alone, there have been announcements of other significant developments to make our city even better. This includes the development of a casino, a new state-of-the-art sports complex, expansion of the hike and bike trails, new parks, and more.

LOCAL & REGIONAL TOURISM

LOCAL & REGIONAL TOURISM

LOCAL & REGIONAL TOURISM

People are constantly looking for activities to do with their families and often leave the area. Even with all of the new development, education-based activities are needed.


• According to the GICM feasibility study, 80% of respondents attended museum experiences outside of our community.


• According to the Omaha Children’s Museums 2019 Annual Report, 25% of the attendees were from out of the state.


These findings show that a children’s museum would be a destination for those coming to the children’s museum and those traveling in for both locals and tourists.

anti-discrimination policy

EPIC Discovery Center aims to embrace diversity and make it an integral part of

the organization. We desire to cultivate diverse backgrounds and

perspectives, fostering teamwork and collaboration among members of the community.

Anti-discrimination DEI policy (pdf)Download

EPIC Discovery Center

1503 W 2nd Street, Grand Island, NE 68801

(308) 392-3457

Copyright © 2024 EPIC Discovery center - All Rights Reserved.