Grassroots Science Museums Collaborative

Promoting Science Education Throughout North Carolina

The Grassroots Science Museums Collaborative is the only statewide partnership of museums dedicated to inspiring and educating today’s youth and adults in science and technology for North Carolina’s competitive future.

Grassroots Science Museums are located in communities across the state of North Carolina – from the mountains to the coast. These museums serve millions of citizens annually through general visitation, teacher training and special programs. Programs include both onsite and offsite presentations and reach students in every North Carolina school district.

Citizens from all 100 counties visit these museums each year and are served through outreach programs. School children not only visit nearby museums, but travel across county lines to other member museums. Museums travel, too, offering outreach programs across the state.

Museums are important partners in inspiring and educating youth and adults in science and technology – connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences. Moreover, museums are one-of-a-kind places where visitors learn together through engaging, interactive environments.

Explore our website to learn more about the collaborative and our goals. In addition, our website has the only comprehensive statewide listing of grassroots museums and statewide events. We also have a listing of online resources as well as information about grassroots programs. Be sure to watch our short informational video and sign-up to receive our free email newsletter with valuable information about statewide programs and initiatives.

Museums Are Economic Engines for North Carolina


How Museums are Funded


Each of the museums is funded through a mixture of revenue sources, including earned income, donations, grants, local governments and state support. While state support varies from museum to museum, state support is vital to the operating needs of each institution.

Our state is receiving a positive return on the investments made in Grassroots, and for every state dollar allocated, $14.80 is raised in additional support.