The Long Island Science Center has been awarded a grant from the New York State Council for the Arts Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $496,000 for a rooftop planetarium and lecture hall. This planetarium will be the focal point of the new Science Center building located at 111 East Main Street in downtown Riverhead.
The 100-seat, multimedia planetarium facility will host education and entertainment programs for families and adults, including astronomy shows, documentaries, engaging lectures, community conversations, and adult edutainment. The planetarium will be a resource for Riverhead, Suffolk County, and Long Island.
“We see the Science Center as a cultural anchor point for Riverhead. The planetarium is integral to that vision.” Said Larry Oxman, Science Center co-founder and president of the LISC’s board. “This will be the culmination of all we have been working towards for the last 25 years.”
Cailin Kaller, Executive Director of the Science Center, was also enthusiastic. “We are thrilled that the NYSCA has decided to support our efforts. This level of support from the state is fantastic.”
This enthusiasm extends into the community as well. New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, "This important grant funding will help the Long Island Science Center expand their activities and programs for the Riverhead community. I am pleased that I could do my part in supporting the Long Island Science Center and the amazing work they are doing in promoting science and technology programs for children and local families."
Yvette Aguiar, Riverhead town supervisor, concurred. "We are excited to partner with the LI Science Center to make the new Town Square a family-friendly location. I want to thank the State for having the foresight to fund their grant. This type of initiative will serve as an educational asset for the entire family. We are all excited to see actionable progress on our Main Street."
The Long Island Science Center is a hands-on, nonprofit STEAM museum located in Riverhead, NY. The LISC is currently in the midst of a major expansion plan. In February of 2020, they purchased a long-vacant and blighted building on Main Street in Riverhead with plans to renovate the 24,000 square foot building to create a larger regional destination. The new building is being planned to connect directly to and compliment the Town of Riverhead's planned new Town Square. The projects aim to repurpose the building on Main Street that has been vacant for nearly 20 years and connect Main Street to the Peconic River.
Oxman added, "The pandemic slowed down our planning, but we are excited to be moving forward."
Kaller concluded, "This grant is a 1 to 1 match that will cover half the equipment costs. We are actively looking for and encouraging community members to get involved with the project. We have formed advisory committees, and anyone interested can contact us through our website to get involved: https://www.sciencecenterli.
