What’s all the buzz about? Join us at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, and see for yourself at the grand opening of Abilene Heritage Square! Where did you say? The former Abilene High School/Lincoln Middle School building on South 1st Street has been fully restored and will re-open to the public as a new community venue. Since 1924, this building has served as a symbol of Abilene’s dedication to learning. Now, with a continued mission for education, “The Square” will offer exciting new experiences and venue spaces for Abilenians and travelers alike.
Three of the project’s frontline directors share their reflections on this long-awaited debut of the new Abilene Public Library Main Branch, the new Spark Science Center (an extension of The Grace Museum) and much more!
Laura Moore, executive director of The Grace Museum, will also serve as director of Abilene Heritage Square. “I have always been drawn to projects that promote a strong quality of life for all citizens,” Moore said. “It has been a privilege to work alongside Jane Beard and many others on this project. The icing on the cake for me has been the opportunity to help save a piece of our community’s history. There has been a school on this property since the city began. It was placed there so that those passing on the train would know that Abilene values education. As we open The Square, The Grace Museum will be able to expand into science education and will also serve as the managing partner for the project. I view this space as a community living room and hope that people will visit and stay awhile, then choose to come back again and again.”
Marsha Hammack, director of Spark Science Center, is integrating science into the mix of The Grace’s programs, as well as working on all the details for the new science center. She shares what excites her most about opening to the public. “I am looking forward to seeing people’s reactions when they discover the wide range of science interactives available for people of every age. I
love imagining families testing out new ideas and feeling proud of something they created together. I hope visitors will leave saying, ‘I didn’t know science could be this fun!’ Spark is sure to become a welcoming destination where families, schools and the community come to explore and discover all areas of STEAM.”
Julee Hammer, director of Library Services for the City of Abilene, is thrilled to be moving the public library into a building that blends local history with new construction. “The current downtown branch opened in 1960 and was only meant to meet the community’s needs for 20 years; it has now served Abilene for over 60. The new library will be an accessible, centrally located facility with plenty of parking and room for growth. Generally, when communities open new libraries, the demand for library services increases. Andrew Carnegie perhaps put it best when he wrote: ‘A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.’ We can’t wait to welcome everyone into the new Main Library at The Square!”
Now 15 years in the making, this momentous dream is ready to become a reality. The project’s visionary leaders, directors, donors, builders and staff invite you to the big celebration on May 16 as they cut the official ribbon and open the doors to The Square!
Submitted by The Grace Museum
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