Reader Submitted Article/About the Author
This article was submitted by Amanda Tyler McGuire, a Hickory resident with a passion for supporting local businesses and sharing family-friendly activities. When she’s not busy dancing or planning her next adventure, you can find her volunteering at the Catawba Science Center or at her children’s schools.
A Look Back: The History of Catawba Science Center
The Catawba Science Center opened in 1975, originally known as the Creative Museum for Youth. The Service League of Hickory founded it and housed it in the historic John Cilley Victorian-era home in downtown Hickory. By 1986, the center had outgrown its space and moved to its current 35,000-square-foot location at the SALT Block, where it continues to serve the community today.
This incredible space features a planetarium, freshwater and saltwater aquariums, hands-on exhibits, and live animal habitats. One of its exhibit areas rotates throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something new to explore. Past exhibits have included Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind and the Machine, Thomas and Friends, Big League Fun, and Dinosaurs. The current exhibit, Imagine Design Play, opened in January of this year and will run through May 4th.
Why Catawba Science Center Holds a Special Place in My Heart
When I moved to Hickory ten years ago, my kids were 1, 4, and 6 years old. Discovering such a hidden gem in a town this size thrilled me. The Science Center quickly became a place of learning, adventure, and community for my family.
Not long after, I was introduced to the Catawba Science Center Guild, a group of dedicated women who organize the center’s biggest annual fundraiser—the Italian Dinner. What started as a simple spaghetti dinner in someone’s home has since grown into a large, vibrant gala that brings the community together to support a great cause.
The Italian Dinner: A Night of Fun and Fundraising
Today, the Italian Dinner draws excitement as a highly anticipated gala at Lake Hickory Country Club. This year’s event takes place on March 29, with the theme Butterfly Garden Soirée, inspired by this year’s fund-a-cause—raising money for a butterfly exhibit this summer. This interactive exhibit will give visitors of all ages the chance to learn about butterflies, their life cycle, and their importance in our ecosystem.
What to Expect at This Year’s Event
- Emcee: Molly Grantham – An Emmy-winning journalist, author, and speaker, Molly will bring a fun and engaging energy to the evening.
- Games & Prizes – A game room with fun challenges and prizes for every player.
- Flower Wall Giveaway – Purchase a flower for a chance to win a 2-carat diamond bracelet, donated by The Jewelry Exchange.
- Bingo & Heads or Tails Game – Special prizes, including a weekend getaway to Asheville and a trip to the Biltmore.
Support the Cause – Even If You Can’t Attend
An online auction will be available for everyone, even those who can’t attend the event. The auction features dozens of incredible items, many donated by local businesses that continuously support our community. I always make a point to support these businesses throughout the year, as I know how much they give back to Hickory.
Get Involved!
If you’d like to purchase tickets, visit:
http://catawbascience.org/support/annual-fundraiser
The online auction link will be available the week before the event.
If you’re interested in volunteering with the Guild or making a donation, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].
This event is a beautiful example of how our community comes together to support education, exploration, and the future of Catawba Science Center.
