Unveiling Joplin’s Future Science Center: The Schroeder Family Exploreum

The Creative Learning Alliance has announced the name of Joplin’s future science center: The Schroeder Family Exploreum. This was revealed at an unveiling ceremony held on Friday morning. The new science center will be housed in the old Joplin Library building.

The organization had initially received 64 potential names for the science center, which were narrowed down to three finalists. It was ultimately the Schroeder family who made the final decision to name the center after them, following a one-million dollar donation from local developer Rick Schroeder.

Audie Dennis, president of the Creative Learning Alliance Board, expressed gratitude for the support of both the Schroeder family and the community. The organization has set a fundraising goal of $6.5 million, with $1.7 million pledged thus far towards this goal. The Schroeder Family Exploreum is currently scheduled to open in 2025.