The mission of SciWorks is to promote literacy, life-long learning, and an appreciation of science by providing innovative, educational, and recreational experiences for all people through interactive programs and exhibits, collections, and an environmental park.

In 1962, the concept of a nature and science facility was introduced to the Winston-Salem Recreation Commission by the Junior League, who also attained positive community support. The first site for the Nature Science Center was a barn with silo attached on the original Reynolda Estate property. With a capital gift of $26,000 from the Junior League and $16,000 from The Winston-Salem Foundation, the Nature Science Center opened its doors in December 1964. It moved to its current location in 1974.

The revisions and additions to our mission statement over the past 26 years reflect the Center’s responsiveness to the changing needs of the community. The original statement stressed nature study for elementary age children with some provisions for general science education. In the late 70?s, the increasing number of new industries in our community led us to a revision which placed emphasis on physical science, technology and science-related career opportunities. Science, technology, environmental, and contemporary issues will continue to focus the center’s hands-on approach to learning science.

In 1988, the Board of Directors led a successful capital campaign, which raised almost $2.4 million dollars and was joined by a $4 million dollar Forsyth County bond and $300,000 in City of Winston-Salem funds. This would dramatically increase and improve the existing exhibit areas and the overall 31-acre site. Construction of the project began in the fall of 1991. We were renamed SciWorks, The Science Center and Environmental Park of Forsyth County, Inc. The new Environmental Park opened August, 1992 and the new building opened in November, 1992.

Since that time, SciWorks has designed and developed interactive exhibits and experiences and produced innovative programming to achieve our mission and vision for the entire Winston-Salem and Forsyth County communities. We are looking toward a bright future with a transformed SciWorks that continues to keep Winston-Salem as the City of the Arts and Innovation. SciWorks is where Innovation Begins!

Front Row (left to right):

Jennifer Hudson, Development Director – SciWorks
Dan Joyner, Owner – Signs By Tomorrow
Dr. Paul Kortenaar, Executive Director – SciWorks
Michael Myers, Chairman of the Board – SciWorks

Second Row (left to right):

Rodessa Mitchell, Vice President, Education & Workforce Development – Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce
Terry Barber, Director of Catering and Event Planning – Twin City Quarter
Gayle Anderson, President & CEO – Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce