1984

  • Dean Kamen proposed creating a science center in donated space in one of his Manchester mill buildings. Southern New Hampshire Services, Inc. (SNHS), under the leadership of Gail Hennessy agreed to support with the project.
  • SNHS employee Douglas Heuser secured initial funding through a Community Services Block Grant. He and Kamen formed an advisory group of local business and community leaders.
  • Heuser was named executive director, and SEE became a component program of SNHS.
Photo of board members who came together to start the SEE Science Center.

1986

  • Initial exhibits were constructed and the SEE Science Center was officially dedicated on April 1st.
  • 5,000 visitors explored the new 4,500 square foot facility in the first year.
  • SEE joined the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) reciprocal membership program. SEE’s continued participation in this program  allows SEE members to visit  science centers world-wide at no cost or reduced cost.
  • The SEEMobile program, was created– bringing science discovery shows to schools and organizations across southern New Hampshire.

1992

  • SEE brings its first traveling exhibit of Robotic Dinosaurs to New Hampshire.
A dinosaur in the back of a cargo truck with a man driving a forklift in the foreground

1998

  • SEE moves to a larger space at 200 Bedford Street—adding many new exhibits.
  • A new Chemistry Lab is developed to offer chemistry experimentation to students on field trips.
A group of people stand below a neon sign reading SEE Science Center cutting a ribbon.

2000

  • SEE hosts another successful Robotic Dinosaurs exhibit this time in the same building as SEE
  • SEE hosts many field trips combining a SEE tour or lab program with a Dinosaur visit for a fantastic field trip combination.
a fork lift raises a robotic dinosaur outside SEE

2002

  • The First Annual Champagne Putt Fundraiser is held, turning the Science Center into and 18-hole mini golf course.
people gather round and and watch a man putt a golf ball up a ramp

2004

  • Additional space is completely renovated and a staircase added to double the exhibit floor space of the SEE Science Center.
  • The LEGO® Millyard Project launched.
The first LEGO Building is placed on the Millyard Platform

2006

  • SEE celebrates its 20th anniversary with record attendance.
  • The LEGO® Millyard Project was completed and dedicated.
  • The SEE Mobile reaches over 1,500 students.
People gather around the completed LEGO Millyard Project

2011

  • SEE becomes an IRS designated independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization
  • SEE Celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
  • SEE hosts “Seasons of Change” a traveling New England temporary exhibit and an international traveling exhibit made with LEGO focusing on wind energy.
Children sitting around a stage watch a man doing a chemistry experiment

2013

  • Science “In the Kitchen” with Chef Nicole exhibit for Early Explorers is added.
  • Five weeks of summer camp programming are offered for the first time.
  • The volunteer built “Hybrid House” exhibit is added.

2016

  • SEE celebrates its 30th Anniversary
  • SEE celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the LEGO® Millyard Project.
  • SEE’s first Executive Director Douglas Heuser retires after 30 years at SEE.
A group of people present a frame to a man in front of a stage

2018

  • SEE wins Entrepreneurs’ Fund AMP grant and purchases 3,000 square foot Genome exhibit, now called BiologYou.
  • Ten exhibits completely refurbished.
A large DNA strand is assembled by four people

2021

  • SEE becomes the first museum in New Hampshire to join the national Museums for All program supporting low-income admissions.
  • The first ‘Kickoff to Summer’ week is held in June and see fully reopens after the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022

  • SEE officially launches its first Middle School programming through a partnership with the Advance Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) introducing local school children to careers in biofabrication.
  • SEE Celebrated Ralph Baer with the community for the 100th year of his birth.
families gather round a table doing an activity

2025

  • After 5 years of planning SEE publically launches its first capital campaign.
A woman explains plans to a group of onlookers

Past Events & Announcements

  • MHA & SEE present STEM Stories

    The SEE Science Center and the Manchester Historic [...]

  • Two women one holding a framed award
    SEE Science Center Awarded $150,000 in CDFA Tax Credits

    The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority [...]

  • Celebrate 25 years & more than 56,000 batches of silly putty.

    This Giving Tuesday, November 28th SEE is [...]

  • SEE Executive Director Shana Hawrylchak at NH center for non profits award ceremony
    SEE Executive Director Shana Hawrylchak Emerging Leader Impact Award Winner

    We are delighted to share that SEE's [...]

  • NH Gives

    NH Gives, an initiative of the NH [...]

  • Executive Directors with Mayor Ruais
    SEE Joins Manchester Museums Partnership

    The Currier Museum of Art, the SEE [...]