about us

Our Mission

To inspire confidence in people of all ages to explore and discover the world

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  • 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

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      Stories

      News

      Publications

      Hartman, S., & Hines-Bergmeier, J. (2021) Embracing partnerships with informal settings to enhance teaching and learning. YC: Young Children, 76(2), 64–68. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/summer2021/embracing-partnerships

      Parsons, J., Hartman, S., Hines-Bergmeier, J., & Truly, C. (2017). A museum without walls: Facilitating STEAM partnerships in rural settings. Connected Science Learning (3). https://www.nsta.org/connected-science-learning/connected-science-learning-may-july-2017/museum-without-walls

      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.

      Location

      67 Columbus Road
      Athens, OH 45701

      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.

      Museum Exhibits

      OVMoD past exhibits

      • Let’s Dance to the Beat
      • Brain Teasers & Logic Launchers
      • ACE: The Art of Construction and Experimentation
      • Messy Science
      • Defying Gravity
      • Puppet Palooza

      Past National Traveling Exhibits

      • Wild Weather (Evansville Museum & NSF)
      • Go Figure! (Minnesota Children’s Museum)
      • Wise About Eyes (Ohio Department of Health)
      • Harry Potter’s World (NIH & Library of Medicine)
      • The Amazing Castle (Minnesota Children’s Museum)
      • The Green Revolution (Smithsonian Institution)