Adventure Science Center - Nashville

Nashville, TN ยท Founded 1944

Interactive science museum fostering STEM education through hands-on exhibits and programs

Primary audience
Families and Students
Work area
Education and Outreach
Topic
Science and Technology
Contact
Karen Musacchio
Website Contact

About Organization

Adventure Science Center operates Tennessee's premier hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits and educational programs. Based in Nashville, TN, the organization serves families, students, and educators with 107 employees and 341 volunteers. With $7.4 million in annual revenue, the center has been inspiring scientific curiosity since 1944.

What They Focus On

Science Education

Providing hands-on learning experiences that make science accessible and engaging for learners of all ages

Technology and Engineering

Fostering innovation through maker spaces and engineering programs that develop problem-solving and creative skills

Community Engagement

Serving as Middle Tennessee's premier learning center through exhibits, programs, and educational partnerships

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$7.4M

+3.1% vs 2022

Expenses (2023)

$6.4M

+11.4% vs 2022

Assets (2023)

$25.4M

+7.7% vs 2022

Employees (2023)

107

+27.4% vs 2022

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2023 $7,402,794 $6,382,617 $25,368,529 107
2022 $7,180,119 $5,729,984 $23,544,347 84
2021 $10,457,321 $5,174,177 $22,045,170 58
2020 $4,127,792 $4,432,293 $18,324,636 102
2019 $4,440,046 $5,964,770 $17,759,924 141
2018 $7,347,345 $6,972,571 $19,108,435 120

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Engage Through Exploration

    Visitors interact with hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity about science and technology

  • 02

    Educate Through Programs

    Structured educational programs and workshops teach STEM concepts to students and families

  • 03

    Inspire Through Innovation

    Engineering and maker spaces provide creative opportunities for guests to design and build

  • 04

    Foster Lifelong Learning

    Ongoing programming and exhibits encourage continued exploration of science beyond the visit

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Adventure Science Center - Nashville

Interactive Science Exhibits

Hands-on exhibits covering physical sciences, biology, astronomy, and technology for visitors of all ages

STEM Education Programs

Educational workshops and programs for students fostering interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

Engineering and Maker Spaces

Creative hands-on engineering opportunities providing inspirational STEM experiences for guests and families

Planetarium Shows

Astronomy education through immersive planetarium presentations exploring space science and celestial phenomena

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Adventure Science Center - Nashville.

KM

Karen Musacchio

Chief Business Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $216,411
LM

Leah Melber

President And CEO
Full-time
Compensation: $186,859
MR

Morgan Rehnberg

VP Of Exhibits And Experiences
Full-time
Compensation: $142,554
SB

Suzanna Best

VP Of Marketing And Communications
Full-time
Compensation: $129,944
JT

Josh Trusley

Chairman
1 hrs/week

Milestones

1944

Center Founded

1944

Adventure Science Center established to promote science education in Middle Tennessee

1954

IRS Recognition

1954

Organization received tax-exempt status as educational nonprofit from federal government

2021

Record Revenue Year

2021

Center achieved highest annual revenue of $10.5 million supporting expanded programs

2023

Staff Expansion

2023

Organization grew to 107 employees serving increased visitor demand and programming

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AB
Adrienne Battle Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
AS
Avi Spielman Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
DM
Dave McGowan Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
EF
Erin Foglia Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
JL
Jen Lacey Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
JG
John Gawaluck Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
JD
Josh Dailey Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
KM
Kelly Mayes Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
LJ
Lauren Jacques Secretary 0.25 hrs/week
LH
Lisa Helton Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
MS
Marc Stengel Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
MK
Matt Kisber Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
MP
Michael Payne Treasurer 0.50 hrs/week
MS
Michelle Steele Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
ML
Minh Le Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
MA
Missy Acosta Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
NB
Nicole Baxter Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
PK
Paul Kleine-Kracht Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
PL
Pirjin Laser Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
RN
Randall Noel Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
RM
Rankin McGugin Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
SM
Shannon Myers Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
WJ
Winston Justice Trustee 0.25 hrs/week
JT
Josh Trusley Chairman

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$708K

Highest Paid

$230K

Karen Musacchio

Compensated Officers

4

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Karen Musacchio Chief Business Officer $216,411 $13,926 $230,337 40
Leah Melber President And CEO $186,859 $4,029 $190,888 40
Morgan Rehnberg VP Of Exhibits And Experiences $142,554 $2,509 $145,063 40
Suzanna Best VP Of Marketing And Communications $129,944 $11,695 $141,639 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partially Forgiven

Total Approved

$645K

Total Forgiven

$605K

94% forgiven

Jobs Retained

79

Loan Details 1 loan

$644,700
Partially Forgiven
Forgiven: $604,993 94%
Approved Apr 7, 2020
Lender Truist Bank
Jobs Reported 79
Forgiven On Aug 26, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$10K Grants Received
1 Organizations

Top Funders

1 total
TC
The Community Foundation Of Middle
$10K

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with Adventure Science Center - Nashville

Phone

(615) 862-5160

Social

Visit Website
800 Fort Negley Boulevard Nashville, TN 37203