Long Island Science Center Garners $496K Grant For Rooftop Planetarium

RIVERHEAD, NY — Patrons at the Long Island Science Center in Riverhead will soon be looking to the stars.

The Long Island Science Center has been awarded a $496K grant from the New York State Council for the Arts' capital projects fund for a rooftop planetarium and lecture hall.

The planetarium will be the "focal point" of the new Science Center building, located at 111 East Main Street in downtown Riverhead, representatives said.

The 100-seat, multimedia planetarium facility will host education and entertainment programs for families and adults, including astronomy shows, documentaries, engaging lectures, community conversations, and adult "edutainment". The planetarium will be a resource for Riverhead, Suffolk County, and the entirety of Long Island, the Long Island Science Center said.

“We see the Science Center as a cultural anchor point for Riverhead. The planetarium is integral to that vision," said Larry Oxman, Science Center co-founder and president of the LISC’s board. “This will be the culmination of all we have been working towards for the last 25 years.”

Cailin Kaller, Executive Director of the Science Center, also spoke about the news. “We are thrilled that the NYSCA has decided to support our efforts. This level of support from the state is fantastic.”

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo added that the grant funding will help the Long Island Science Center expand their activities and programs for the Riverhead community. "I am pleased that I could do my part in supporting the Long Island Science Center and the amazing work they are doing in promoting science and technology programs for children and local families," he said.

And, added Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar: ""We are excited to partner with the Long Isalnd Science Center to make the new Town Square a family-friendly location. . .This type of initiative will serve as an educational asset for the entire family. We are all excited to see actionable progress on our Main Street."

The Long Island Science Center is a hands-on, nonprofit STEAM museum that has been in the midst of a major expansion plan. In February of 2020, the museum purchased a "long-vacant and blighted building" on Main Street in Riverhead with plans to renovate the 24,000 square foot building to create a larger regional destination, officials said.

The new building is being planned to connect directly to and complement the Town of Riverhead's planned new Town Square. The projects aim to repurpose the building on Main Street that has been vacant for nearly 20 years and connect Main Street to the Peconic River, town officials said.

"The pandemic slowed down our planning, but we are excited to be moving forward," Oxman said.

The grant, Kaller said, is a 1 to 1 match that will cover half the equipment costs. Community members who what to become involved can click here.