Three weeks after taking over the Discovery Museums, Neil H. Gordon is already thinking about building a treehouse for young visitors and their parents.
"Right up there in those trees," said the Acton museums' new chief executive officer pointing to a stand of elms along the property line. "We could get kids and their families up there and make a canopy for them to move around on. That'd really get them involved in the life sciences."
Based on his past achievements, the 55-year-old Wayland resident will very likely be building more than science labs in the branches.
After 14 years at the Boston Children's Museum, eventually as chief operating officer, Gordon was hired after a national search to replace Michael Judd who retired after five years as executive director.
Gordon described the breadth of experience he brings to his new job as "kind of unique."
"I've done everything from environmental work to human services. I've had lots of experience in policy, planning and financial management," he said recently. "What I hope I'm bringing is a range of backgrounds that will help me keep this institution financially well-managed."
At the Boston Children's Museum, Gordon oversaw a recent $50 million expansion and renovation project and development of "Our Green Trail," an interactive environmental exhibit. Previously he worked in Boston's city government, eventually serving as budget director and overseeing a $1.5 billion budget.
He currently serves as president of the Association of Children's Museums and has been treasurer of the New England Museum Association.
Gordon attributed a career spent working for nonprofit organizations and in government service to the "latent 1960s idealism still floating around."
He said he was drawn to the Discovery Museums' reputation for inspiring children to learn about science and the opportunity to put his stamp on the next stage of the museums' growth.
"The thing that appeals to me is the chance to work in an organization that's well-respected nationally, but more importantly, within the community," he said.
After growing up in Frenchtown, N.J., Gordon majored in geology at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., and later earned a master's degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
While considering the new position, Gordon said he'd been impressed that leaders at the Discovery Museums were developing master plans for facilities and future steps to help "better serve the region and potentially do even more for younger families."
"For me, the new thing (in this position) was the opportunity to be directly responsible for the next direction of this institution," he said. "That personal challenge was exciting to me."
The Discovery Museums was founded by Acton resident Donald B. Verger in 1982 to provide children "cohesive interactive experiences" in science and math. The museums have a $1 million 2009 operating budget and 1,500 members.
Located on 4<+>1<+>/<->2<-> acres, it comprises two main structures, the Children's Discovery Museum for children under 6 and the newer Science Discovery Museum for ages 6 and up. The museums' administrative offices have been moved to a Victorian house on a recently acquired 1<+>1<+>/<->2<->-acre parcel.
Despite the state's troubled economy, Gordon said the museums' attendance remained "strong" with 140,000 visitors last year. And he's especially proud 25,000 students from area schools participated in the museums' Traveling Workshop Programs in 2008. He said, "It's pretty exciting when you can take the discovery that happens right here into the classrooms."
For Gordon, the museums' essential mission is to provide a place where children and adults can share the spark that inspires interest in science and math.
"Based on the principles of discovery learning and creativity, I have a very strong belief about what museums can do for families. I believe every child is naturally born to be a science learner. They're naturally born to be artistically creative. They're naturally born to be inquisitive," he said.
Looking ahead, Gordon hopes to increase attendance, membership and outreach to area students while expanding awareness of the museums' resources.
Based on more than two decades spent in government and museums, Gordon is increasingly convinced institutions like the Discovery Museums play a crucial role preparing youngsters to meet future challenges.
Rather than grow a new wave of scientists, Gordon believes the museums should be inspiring "the next generation of children who are scientific thinkers" who can then use the tools of science in whatever field they choose.
"I think our role is to support early science and discovery learning. Science education is about exploration and asking questions and being analytical in your thinking," he said. "The most important thing for me is the look in parents' eyes when they see that simply bringing their children to the Discovery Museums opens up the world of curiosity to them."
THE ESSENTIALS:
The Discovery Museums are at 177 Main St. (Rte. 27), Acton.
Upcoming special events include:
- Tuesday, Oct. 6, 3 p.m.: "Autumn Tree Walk"
- Thursday, Oct. 8, 3 p.m.: "Uncovering the past"
- Friday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.: "LEGO building for toddlers"
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: "Physical Fun Day" with scavenger hunts, relay races, prizes and fun activities.
For more information, call 978-264-4200 or visit www.discoverymuseums.org.
