Cook Museum named new North Alabama STEM Center

The Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur received some amazing news this week, as Gov. Kay Ivey designated the museum as the North Alabama STEM Center.

This means the museum will receive more than $9 million in state funding.

Cook Museum now eligible for $9.5 million in state funding

This new designation opens a bevy of doors for the museum. Thanks to Gov. Ivey and the state education budget, the museum will expand its STEM labs and educational programs, providing even more hands-on learning opportunities for students across 21 counties.

This designation also comes with $9.5 million in state funding, which will increase and improve classes, classrooms and other resources for the museum.

From an insect collection to STEM center

The Cook Museum started with just an insect collection display by John Cook, Sr. in 1968.

In 1980, additional collections of rocks, minerals, fossils, coral, sea shells, mounted wildlife, and federally protected migratory birds were acquired, and a 5,000 square foot building was constructed to house Cook’s Natural Science Museum.

The museum closed in 2016 and reopened in 2019 with a revamped look and new mission, becoming a leader in science education, serving more than 18,000 students annually.

Want to stay in the know about what’s new and happening in and around Huntsville? Follow Hville Blast on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.