Jean S. Adams Education Pavilion

The Jean S. Adams Education Pavilion represents a significant economic development and quality of life initiative that will generate greater public awareness of the Virginia Museum of Natural History, partnering organizations and the entire region. The Pavilion and its resulting education programs, interpretive elements and multi-use functionality will enhance the experiences of students, visitors and other groups through extended visits, enriched interpretation, and multi-use opportunities. In addition to enhancing visitor experiences, the Pavilion will serve as a significant draw for increased visitation to the museum and the region.

The increased awareness of the participating institutions and the region will result in increased visits by visitors from the primary audience of those living within a 50-mile radius of Martinsville, along with increased visitor spending throughout the region.

Jean S. Adams Education Pavilion: Exhibits

In order to supplement the visitor experience, while enhancing critical STEM-based lessons, the museum is leading a public campaign to raise funds for the first-ever life-sized model of Pelagornis sandersi, the bird with the largest wingspan ever known. This one-of-a-kind exhibit will be featured in the Jean S. Adams Education Pavilion, supporting lessons on ecology in connection with J. Frank Wilson Park.

To support the Pelagornis campaign, please contact us at 276-634-4163 or ryan.barber@vmnh.virginia.gov.  Click here to download a mailable gift form.

Pelagornis sandersi once flew over Virginia with a wingspan of over 20 feet. The museum has commissioned the creation of a 3-D model of this amazing creature, which will be displayed within the new Jean S. Adams Education Pavilion. As the museum continues to expand its public programs and partnerships with area schools, this one-of-a-kind exhibit and its corresponding STEM-based lessons will help the museum inspire thousands of students and families each year.

Jean S. Adams Education Pavilion: Funding Support

Museum leaders have secured support for the construction of the Jean S. Adams Education Pavilion, with funding provided by Mr. George Adams and family, the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Harvest Foundation, Mr. William Mayer, and many other generous supporters. Thanks to a wonderful gift from Mr. Adams and his family, the structure has been named in memory of his late wife, Jean S. Adams.

Jean S. Adams Education Pavilion: Campaign Supporters

George Adams & Family
Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
The Harvest Foundation
William F. Mayer

Caren Aaron
George Adams
C. Reed Anderson
Nancy L. Baker
T. G. Balabanis
Ryan Barber
Gayle F. Barts
LeAnn S. Binger
Noel T. Boaz
Robert L. Bushnell
J. Smith & Gael  Chaney
Sandra Coleman
Gary & Susan. Collins
Faye C. Cooper
Barry M. Dorsey
Darrin Doss
Paul R. Eason
Rhonda Edwards
Walter W. Flythe
Fred Gehrke
Timothy J. Gette
Margaret Harden
Charlotte Harter
Betsy D. Ivey
Stephen Jackson
Barry Jarrett
Joseph W. Jessee
Mervyn R. King
Kiwanis Club of Martinsville
William Lantz
V. Carole Lougheed
Eugene Madonia
David Martin
Paul May
William F. Mayer
Henry L. Mitchell
J. Peyton Moore
James K. Muehleck
Keith Oliver
Coy M. Park
Jane Pilson
B. Greg Preston
Clarence L. Reaser
Richard Renfro
W. Roscoe & Linda  Reynolds
Zachary S. Ryder
J. Randolph Smith
Robin Smith
Betty Stephenson
Cawley R. Stine
Julie H. Thomas
Ellen Thomason
James Tobin
Robert C. Vogler
Clement Wheatley
Edward H. White
Charles Wickham
Ellen Wood

map of Virginia and surrounding areas

Please Visit Us Soon

Hours:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Sunday - Monday: Closed

Admission:

$10 for ages 18-59
$5 for ages 3-17, seniors 60+, and college students
FREE for children under 3, museum members, and members of ASTC participating institutions

My husband and I brought our son to the Dino Festival and Dragon Festival! He loved it! Great way to have a family ...

Dana Y.

Hear More  arrow