Our Mission
To inspire visitors of all ages to explore and discover the world through interactive exhibits and creative experiences

STEAM - Powered!
Integrating the sciences, arts & humanities with interdisciplinary exhibits and programming
Hands-On, Play-based Learning
Facilitating a hands-on learning experience with interpretive guides and opportunities to learn through play within the museum
Learning Hub
Building a transformative hub for education and discovery-based learning serving Athens, Southeastern Ohio and the surrounding Appalachian region
Board Members and Staff
Jen Parsons, Executive Director
Carolyn Sheehan, Museum Educator
Sara Hartman
Jennifer Hines-Bergmeier
Christie Truly
Liz Stinaff
Connie Patterson
Mark Lucas
Becky Bushey-Miller
Kathy Berry
Brent Hartman
Grace Essex
Rick Essex
Stories
News
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Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery Announces New Museum Facility in Athens
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Athens Conservancy awarded grant from Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
- Family Fun Night brings joy through learning
Publications
Parsons, J., Hartman, S., Hines-Bergmeier, J., & Truly, C. (2017). A Museum Without Walls: Facilitating STEAM Partnerships in Rural Settings. Connected Science Learning (3). http://csl.nsta.org/2017/07/museum-without-walls/?sf_action=get_data&sf_data=results&_sft_issue=issue-3
Hartman, S., Hines-Bergmeier, J., & Klein, R. (2017). Informal STEM Learning: The State of Research, Access, and Equity in Rural Early Childhood. Science Education and Civic Engagement: An International Journal, 2017, (Summer). http://new.seceij.net
Hartman, S., & Hines-Bergmeier, J. (2015). Building Connections: Strategies to address rurality and accessibility challenges. J. Museum Ed., 40, (3), 288-303.
Contact Us
Future Location
67 Columbus Road
Athens, OH 45701
Mailing address
P.O. Box 70
The Plains, OH 45780
OVMoD Philosophy
At OVMoD we believe that playful, hands-on learning with family and friends builds confidence and resiliency for success as 21st century citizens. This learning is unique for each individual and occurs life-long with a richness that is life-wide and life-deep. For these reasons, OVMoD was founded with a mission to inspire visitors of all ages to explore and discover the world through interactive exhibits and creative experiences.
Through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities at OVMoD we strive to make learning fun. Our events and exhibits are layered so that visitors of all ages will find activities and experiences that appeal to them. We combine aspects of the sciences, arts, and humanities into our exhibits and programming so visitors can explore and discover connections throughout their world.
OVMoD is committed to providing hands-on exhibits, frequent live programming, and activities to complement and supplement state-based education standards. In this way, we strive to be a unique educational resource for parents, teachers and other educational organizations in Athens, Southeastern Ohio and the surrounding Appalachian region.