02/26/2026
🌄 Western NC Museums Receive $1 MILLION for Hurricane Helene Recovery!
✨ Ten Western NC museums are receiving $1 MILLION to support recovery from Hurricane Helene’s impact on tourism and facilities. Thanks to the North Carolina Science Network, Dogwood Health Trust and the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, each museum will receive $100,000 to strengthen long‑term resiliency and continue serving thousands of children across our region.
🪐 Funding recipients include Hands On Children's Museum-WNC, KidSenses Children's INTERACTIVE Museum, Asheville Museum of Science, Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, Highlands Biological Station, Grandfather Mountain Nature Center, FIND Outdoors, WNC Nature Center, and The North Carolina Arboretum.
According to NC Science Network President and Chair, Joseph Knight: “This investment from Dogwood Health Trust and the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust is a lifeline for many of our Western NC museums, who continue to navigate substantial challenges caused by Hurricane Helene. This funding ensures the continuation of vital educational services for Western NC's most vulnerable populations.”
🚀 Western NC Museums welcome 1.5 million visitors each year and generate $63 million in economic impact. After Helene, these museums reported $5.9 million in combined revenue losses—making this support a vital lifeline as Western NC continues to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
🌎 Thus far, this is the only economic relief Western NC museums have recieved—and we’re excited to celebrate the work they do to inspire STEM learning throughout their immediate communities and region!
