On May 9, the board of directors of the Powerhouse Science Center chose to close its doors. We, the general staff, lost our jobs, and our region lost a vibrant institution for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

In the four years at its present location, the Powerhouse was able to give students and teachers supplementary science curriculum, build a robust field-trip program serving schools in a 200-mile radius, offer after-school and early-learning programming, create dynamic teen internships, assemble innovative summer camps, host Durango Maker Club meetups and teacher professional developments, coordinate our region’s LEGO League Robotics program and run the first-ever regional state-qualifying tournament.

We provided regular adult programming like our trivia, developed a wide array of special events including workshops, student expos, birthday parties and more, led history tours through its rich roots as Durango’s original power plant, engaged local and visiting guests with hands-on, interactive gallery exhibits and demonstrations, and made a home for science and discovery in Durango and throughout the Four Corners.

What an amazing opportunity we’ve had to contribute to the communities in which we live! We’ll be forever proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the relationships we’ve built. We do hope that the Powerhouse can return and once more offer the quality programming we’ve worked so hard to establish – even if it’s without us. However, it is our chief regret that, in the haste of our discharge, we are not able to fulfill all of our commitments and offer a goodbye worthy of our respect and gratitude to the communities, schools, partnerships, businesses, members and so many guests who have sustained and championed us through the years. So from the bottom of our ventricles and to the best of our ability now, we thank you for your loyal support. It’s been a sincere honor and pleasure to serve each of you.

Sarah Margoles, Jen Lokey, Leisha Lawson, Ashley King, Hannah Hendry, Joe Lounge, Brett Cadwell, Sarah Elizabeth Gleason, Emma Savely, Danielle “Dagger” Ghear, Sam Dalgai, Critter Golden and Nathan Schmidt

Durango