Strecker Museum To Close Sept. 13

by Sarah Levine

In preparation for the opening of the new Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center, the centerpiece of the Sue and Frank Mayborn Natural Science and Cultural History Museum Complex, Baylor University's Strecker Museum will close to the public on Saturday, Sept. 13. Volunteers who have helped staff the Strecker Museum over the years will be honored at a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on the museum's final day and will assist the staff in closing the doors for the final time.
"Don't worry," said Dr. Ellie Caston, director of the Mayborn Complex. "Visitors will find many of their favorite critters and exhibits from the Strecker in the new Mayborn Museum, including the giant sea turtle, the humpback whale skull and the fossilized palm tree stump. There will also be several cabinets of curiosities in tribute to the original Strecker collection."
The Jeanes Discovery Center will be highly interactive. The Hall of Natural Science will feature walk-in dioramas and exploration stations, while the Children's World will offer hands-on learning experiences through 17 discovery rooms that focus on such subjects as transportation, communication, health and pioneers. Other Discovery Center features include the 200-seat SBC Discovery Theater and the Thomas E. and Emilyne W. Anding Exhibitions Gallery.
School programs will continue through the fall at both the Ollie Mae Moen Discovery Center and the Gov. Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village. The Moen Discovery Center will close on Dec. 23 to begin its move to the new facility. The Historic Village will remain open and will be the site of all spring school programs for the complex.
The Strecker Museum is located in the basement of the Sid Richardson Science Building in the heart of the Baylor campus. The new Mayborn Museum Complex, located on University Parks Drive, will open to the public in May of 2004. For more information, contact Sarah Levine at (254) 710-2517.