The dayton society of natural history will transform the first floor of its boonshoft museum of discovery to increase visitor accessibility and safety, enhance learning, strengthen community…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded the Dayton Society of Natural History $1,010,055 on October 1, 2025, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to transform the first floor of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. The primary deliverable is a custom-designed, interactive three-dimensional water table exhibit that will serve as the centerpiece of the redesigned exhibition space. This exhibit will illustrate the local water ecosystem while raising visitor awareness of regional waterways, water conservation, resource management, and career opportunities in water-related fields. The project will also enhance visitor accessibility and safety while expanding the museum's community engagement capabilities.

The grant-funded initiative supports the Museums for America program's core objectives of lifelong learning and community engagement by generating measurable outcomes in STEM education and institutional capacity. Through the interactive water exhibit, visitors will gain deeper knowledge of the Great Miami River watershed, local natural resources, and the historical and contemporary significance of water in the Dayton community. The project is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2027, with the museum's renovation efforts designed to strengthen strategic institutional goals related to educational programming and public service delivery.

The dayton society of natural history will transform the first floor of its boonshoft museum of discovery to increase visitor accessibility and safety, enhance learning, strengthen community engagement, and tell the compelling story of dayton's water resources and their value. As a centerpiece of the exhibition space, the museum will design and install a custom water table that accurately illustrates the local water ecosystem in interactive 3D. The new water table will raise awareness of local waterways, the resources these waters relate to, the importance of water conservation and health, the impact of water in the community historically and in the modern day, and the many career fields that relate to water. Visitors will also increase their stem knowledge and have a deeper understanding of related local organizations and natural resources.