Welcome to the Asheville Museum of Science, a beacon of exploration and discovery in Western North Carolina! Established on November 11, 2016, but with roots tracing back nearly a century, this museum is a testament to the enduring allure of science and nature. The story of the museum begins with Burnham Standish Colburn, a retired engineer and bank president who moved to Asheville in the 1920s, drawn by the region’s rich mineral fields. Colburn’s extensive mineral collection became the foundation of what would evolve into a full-scale science museum.
In 1931, Colburn, along with his brother, William, founded the Southern Appalachian Mineral Society. After Burnham’s death in 1959, his family generously shared his collection with the society, leading to the opening of the Burnham S. Colburn Memorial Museum in 1960. This small museum moved locations several times, growing in scope and ambition, eventually becoming the Colburn Earth Science Museum in 2002.
Finally, in late 2016, the museum reopened its doors as the Asheville Museum of Science, reflecting its expanded mission to engage the community with interactive exhibits spanning geology, astronomy, paleontology, and more. Here, visitors young and old can dig for dinosaur fossils, explore the mysteries of space, and experiment in the STEAM Lab.
The museum’s evolution mirrors the broader historical context of Western North Carolina, a region rich in natural resources and scientific curiosity. Asheville itself, a city steeped in history and culture, provides a fitting backdrop for a museum dedicated to lifelong learning and curiosity.
Notable figures associated with the museum include its founder, Burnham Standish Colburn, whose legacy lives on in the museum’s dedication to science education. As you explore the exhibits, consider how one man’s passion for minerals sparked a journey of discovery that continues to inspire today.
