SEE Science Center : SEE History

1984	Planning for SEE began. Initial funding came through the Community Services Block Grant Program. The original space for the center at 324 Commercial Street in Manchester's Millyard was donated by local scientist and entrepreneur, Dean Kamen. SEE was created as a component program of Southern New Hampshire Services, Inc. a 501(c)3, private non-profit human services agency. Douglas Heuser was the founding executive director and first employee.
1986	The first exhibits were constructed, and the SEE Science Center was officially dedicated on April 1, 1986. During the first year, 5,000 visitors visited the new 4,500 square foot facility. The SEEmobile program, which brings whiz-bang science shows to schools and organizations was introduced. From 1987 to 1997, more exhibits were added and attendance grew steadily as more school teachers discovered the benefits of a field trip to SEE. Birthday parties began to be offered, as well as teacher workshops. SEE also participated in community events such as the Physics Olympics. SEE Joined the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) reciprocal membership program. This continues to allow SEE members to visit science centers world wide, and allows people throughout the world to visit SEE with their local science center membership. SEE is also a member of the New England Museum Association (NEMA) and the American Association of Museums (AAM).
1992	SEE hosted the first traveling exhibit of Robotic Dinosaurs to be shown in New Hampshire at the Bedford Mall.
1997	Traveling robotic dinosaurs returned by popular demand this time to the Steeplegate Mall in Concord.
1998	SEE moved to a larger space at 200 Bedford street. Many new exhibits were added. SEE was opened to the public seven days a week. A new chemistry lab facility allowed chemistry programs to be offered to school children.
2000	SEE was able to host Robotic Dinosaur exhibit at 200 Bedford Street one floor below SEE. This allowed teachers to combine a SEE tour or lab with a Dinosaur visit for a fantastic field trip combo. Annual attendance reached 25,000.
2002	The First Annual Champagne Putt Fundraiser is hosted by and benefits the SEE Science Center.
2003	SEE hosted its largest traveling Robotic Dinosaur exhibit to date one floor below SEE.
2004	The mill space which hosted Dinosaurs was completely renovated and a staircase was added to double the permanent exhibit space of the SEE Science Center. SEE expanded to 30,000 square feet of space. The LEGO® Millyard Project was launched.
2006	SEE celebrated its 20th anniversary and record attendance. Hours were expanded and The LEGO® Millyard Project was completed and dedicated. The seemobile also reached over 1,500 students in their schools.
2007	SEE hosted its fifth traveling exhibit of robotic dinosaurs. The Exhibit had over 49,000 visitors between January 13th and May 13th. In September a new educational program was launched in conjunction with the LEGO® Millyard Project. 150,000 visitors discovered the wonder of science.
2008	Exhibits are added in advance of SEE's 22nd birthday in April.
2009	The first Evening of Discovery & Giving fundraising dinner is held to benefit the SEE Science Center.
2010	SEE hosts "Dinosaurs 2010", a traveling exhibit of robotic dinosaurs from Feb. 6th - May 31st. 110,000 visitors visited SEE.
2011	SEE becomes and independent IRS designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. SEE celebrated the 25th anniversary of its dedication. SEE hosts traveling Exhibitions "Smile the Tooth and Nothing but the Tooth" and "Seasons of Change".
2012	SEE hosts "Secrets of Circles" traveling Exhibition.
2013	SEE hosts Dinosaurs 2013 from Feb. 9th through June 16th. SEE adds Science in the Kitchen With Chef Nicole exhibit. SEE offers 5 weeks of summer camp programming for the first time.
2014	Hybrid House exhibit is dedicated, Nano exhibit is added in June and Escher: The Science Angle is opened in the fall in partnership with The Currier Museum of Art's major exhibition of Escher's artwork.
2015	SEE hosted DINOSAURS in the same building as SEE from Oct. 10th 2015 through Jan. 31st 2016. SEE published its first educational book "We thought you'd never ask!" about dinosaurs.
2016	SEE celebrated its 30th Anniversary and the 10th Anniversary of the LEGO® Millyard Project. SEE's first executive director Douglas Heuser retired after more than 30 years of service. Susan Howland was hired as the second executive director of SEE.