Eureka! McConnell Science Museum

Founded by John McConnell, Eureka! McConnell Science Museum brings hands-on STEAM exploration to Grand Junction through exhibits largely constructed by our own volunteers. We operate as a non-profit organization with a small employed staff, dedicated to making science and mathematics accessible for both students and adults. Our mission centers on inspiring curiosity and respect for STEAM, science, technology, engineering, art, and math, within our local communities. Originally known as SITHOK (Science In The Hands Of Kids), we began by teaching scientific principles to children through interactive demonstrations, eventually reaching 5,000 students per year. This early success led the Mesa County School District to grant us space, and in 2018, we relocated to the newly constructed Confluence Hall building on the CMU campus. This move allowed us to expand our on-site and off-site programs, with a specific focus on increasing access for low-income and racially diverse communities by identifying and addressing systemic barriers. The majority of our stations and exhibits remain the result of volunteer craftsmanship, ensuring that visitors can investigate basic elements of science and technology firsthand. We hope to redefine how people interact with these subjects by keeping the experience fun, engaging, and deeply educational for learners of all ages.