A statement to our community

Dear Members of our Community,

I want to update you on behalf of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center to address real concerns that have been raised regarding a recently scheduled private event at our facility.

As you know, we work hard to ensure that the Discovery Center remains a welcoming place for everyone. We host dozens of events and meetings every month.

In this case, we agreed to rent space to a group that presented itself as a "civic organization." Unfortunately, the information provided during the booking process did not fully reflect the nature and purpose of the event. By the time additional details became clear, a contract had already been executed. As a result, we have been told by our lawyers that we  legally obligated to honor the agreement and cannot cancel the event. If we do, we face lawsuits for breach of contract.

We deeply regret being placed in this position, and we understand the concerns that have been expressed by members of our community. The lack of transparency during the booking process has created a difficult situation not only for our organization, but also for our small staff who care deeply about the Discovery Center’s mission and values. This has been a stressful and challenging moment for our team, and we appreciate the patience and support that many in our community have already shown.

What we can promise is that we have learned from this experience. We are already reviewing and strengthening our facility rental policies, application forms, and vetting procedures so that future bookings are fully transparent and clearly aligned with the Discovery Center’s educational mission and community values. We never expected this, but going forward, we will be on guard.

To be clear, the Discovery Center does not endorse the views of any private renters. Because we do not wish to benefit from this situation, any and all proceeds received from this particular event will be donated.

We remain committed to serving our entire community and to providing a welcoming space dedicated to science, exploration, and education. We appreciate your understanding as we work through this difficult moment and move forward together.

Sincerely,
Melissa Edwards
Executive Director
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center