October 2026 | Reaction: Revisit Club WONDER, discover Death by Natural Causes, explore Science on the Move, and more.

Dear Friend of the Saint Louis Science Center,

Let me begin by saying a deep and heartfelt thank you for everyone who supported our Science Center through Club WONDER: Light Years Ahead. It was a magical and wonder-filled evening as leaders, patrons, and friends came together to raise $400,000 in support of our mission to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science. Words cannot fully capture how special it was, and so I encourage you to check out our recap below for photos, our Club WONDER video, and more.

But looking ahead, we also shared big news that our 2027 special exhibition, Death by Natural Causes, will premiere at the Science Center on March 20. This exhibition will explore some of the natural world’s most unexpected and misunderstood dangers—all while challenging assumptions and sparking curiosity in our guests. See below to learn more.

With so much happening and on the horizon here at our Science Center, there are tremendous opportunities to make an impact and achieve your philanthropic goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out or reply to this email if you have thoughts or questions about how we can continue to open doors to discovery for our community together.

With gratitude,

Bobby Sanderson, Chief Institutional Advancement Officer

314.289.4462 | bobby.sanderson@slsc.org

Thank You to Everyone Who Helped Make Club WONDER: Light Years Ahead Such a Success!

Club WONDER: Light Years Ahead saw Science Center leaders, partners, members, and friends come together in support of the wonder our Science Center delivers each day to our community—collectively raising $400,000 in support of our year-round work to provide free access for all to STEM learning, hands-on exhibits, and public programs that open doors to discovery.

Revisit the night to learn more, see photos from the event, and more.

Revisit Club Wonder

Every discovery begins with a door opening.

See how your support for our Science Center opens doors to discovery in our Club WONDER video.

Watch here.

Death by Natural Causes Opens March 20, 2027

Opening March 20, 2027

Tickets available January 8, 2027

Mark your calendar for the Science Center's upcoming 2027 special exhibition, Death by Natural Causes.

Death by Natural Causes will take guests on a fascinating exploration of the natural world’s most unexpected and often misunderstood dangers. From brightly colored creatures and sweet-smelling plants to everyday materials we encounter without a second thought, this exhibition reveals how nature can be both beautiful and dangerous.

Guests will meet the “malefactors” that quietly do the Grim Reaper’s work — disguised in unassuming forms that challenge assumptions and spark curiosity.

Learn More

Sponsorship opportunities are available for Death by Natural Causes. To learn more, please contact Nate Pedigo at nate.pedigo@slsc.org or 314.289.4467.

Einstein Society Members (September 2026)

Thank you to the following Einstein Society members for joining or renewing their generous support in September.

Einstein Society members lead the way among our robust community of philanthropic patrons, helping the Science Center serve more than 600,000 people each year.

Learn more about the Einstein Society

This list recognizes gifts received within the month of September. We regret the misspelling of any supporter or omission of any gift; if you discover a discrepancy or would like to change your preferred recognition, contact us at donations@slsc.org or 314.289.4414.

Curiosity Fund Donors (July–September 2026)

Thank you to the following generous individual, corporate, and foundation supporters for their gifts of $1,000 and above in July, August, and September.

Generous philanthropic gifts to the Curiosity Fund provide unrestricted operating support for the Science Center, allowing us to provide innovative programs and experiences that elevate access to STEM learning and open minds of all ages to the potential of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Support the Curiosity Fund

This list recognizes gifts received between July and September. We regret the misspelling of any supporter or omission of any gift; if you discover a discrepancy or would like to change your preferred recognition, contact us at donations@slsc.org or 314.289.4414.

Watch: Behind the Scenes with Woody in the Dana Brown Fossil Prep Lab

Ever wondered how dinosaur fossils are cleaned?

Go behind the scenes of the Science Center's Dana Brown Fossil Prep Lab with Woody, who for 15 years has spent summers searching for dinosaur fossils in Northeastern Montana, as he demonstrates how to clean a triceratops frill.

Watch on LinkedIn

Science on the Move Invites the Einstein Society to Sip Science at 4 Hands Brewery & Tasting Room

Last month, the Einstein Society explored the tanks and stills at the heart of a local innovator in microbrewing science with our latest Science on the Move tour of 4 Hands Brewery & Tasting Room.

In our blog post recap, see more from the outing as the Science Center and Einstein Society members continue to explore the ways St. Louis is truly a science city.

See More from Science on the Move

Help catalyze a reaction. Spread the word about the Science Center's work to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science.

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STEM Like Me: Hispanic Heritage Month

This September and October, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re recognizing a few STEM-sational individuals who’ve inspired us all to make an impact.

Check out our STEM Like Me series, where this month we're highlighting the contributions and impact of Dr. Helen Rodriguez-Trias, Dr. Adriana Ocampo, and Dr. Albert Baez.

Discover More

Watch: 60 Years of the McDonnell Planetarium Ribbon

Recently, FOX 2 looked back at the surprising history of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium's annual holiday ribbon, which started 60 years ago as a prank from students at Washington University.

In the segment, hear from Dennis Bolazina, a practicing architect who was part of the original prank, about where the idea started...and the engineering mindset that went into making it happen.

Watch on YouTube

The mission of the Saint Louis Science Center is

to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science.

Inspired by something you've read above? Support our work by donating to the Curiosity Fund, becoming a Science Center member, or renewing your membership.

Have questions about other ways you can support our work or get involved with the Science Center's mission? Contact Bobby Sanderson at bobby.sanderson@slsc.org or 314.289.4462.

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