Wonder Starts Here.
Building a Legacy of Wonder, Learning, and Opportunity
At the Northern Appalachian Discovery Museum (NADM), we believe that every child deserves the chance to discover the magic of the world around them.
Our mission is to inspire curiosity, spark creativity, and build a love of learning through nature, science, and play — right here in the heart of Northern Appalachia.
Located in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, NADM will endeavor to build an immersive 20,000-square-foot castle-style discovery museum, complete with interactive exhibits, classrooms, and nature trails that connect children and families to the land, water, and wildlife that define our region.
Why It Matters
Children in rural Northern Pennsylvania face significant barriers to accessing hands-on science and environmental education. Many live miles from the nearest museum, science center, or cultural hub. The result is an opportunity gap — not in ability or curiosity, but in access.
The Northern Appalachian Discovery Museum seeks to change that. By creating a regional hub for environmental education, STEM learning, and family engagement, we are investing in the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and conservationists.
Our Vision in Action
When complete, the museum will feature:
A living indoor forest and stream exhibit, where children learn about local ecosystems and clean water.
An interactive firefly and pollinator meadow, highlighting the delicate balance of nature.
A sustainable forestry lab, teaching responsible resource management.
A children’s theater and creativity zone, where imagination meets expression.
A hands-on engineering gallery inspired by Appalachian rivers, bridges, and boats.
These experiences are designed with limited staffing needs, ensuring long-term sustainability while maximizing impact and accessibility.
Economic and Community Impact
Beyond education, NADM will serve as a catalyst for regional revitalization.
By attracting visitors from across Pennsylvania and New York, the museum will drive economic growth, create local jobs, and strengthen community pride. Our feasibility studies project that NADM will bring tens of thousands of visitors annually, supporting local small businesses, restaurants, and lodging.
Our Promise to Our Community
The Northern Appalachian Discovery Museum is more than a building — it’s a promise to our region.
We promise to:
Empower every child to explore, play, and learn — no matter where they live or what they can afford.
Strengthen our local roots by hiring local talent, supporting small businesses, and celebrating Northern Appalachian heritage.
Protect and teach about nature, inspiring families to care for the rivers, forests, and wildlife that define our home.
Inspire lifelong curiosity through science, creativity, and hands-on discovery.
Your investment makes this promise possible — transforming curiosity into opportunity and helping every child in Northern Appalachia discover the wonder of their own backyard.