The Beardsley Discovery Center is under construction!  Watch the video above to see the first phase of stabilizing and gutting the shell of this historic building. We will be in a "winter hiatus" from January through March, with work resuming in April. Tentative schedule for opening is April, 2026.

The Ruthmere Museum Campus recently acquired the building directly north of the Havilah Beardsley House, now referred to as the Beardsley Discovery Center. As a part of the original 1848 Havilah Beardsley farmstead, this building which is believed to have been constructed in 1874, was a natural addition to our historic properties.

We are still accepting gifts to revitalize this property and improve our museum campus. Now is your chance to contribute to this incredible project!

The Beardsley Discovery Center project has surfaced at just the right time to fulfill the needs of our community and ripen the fruits of Ruthmere Campus as we celebrate 50 years of museum service.

IMPROVING THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

The addition of the Beardsley Discovery Center will significantly improve visitor hospitality at Ruthmere Campus in a number of meaningful ways:

• The ease of access from parking to point of entry is shortened

• Greeting will now occur with a real person at the BDC info desk

• Increased number of parking spots and improved traffic flow

• Expanded gift shop space where guests can browse as they wait for tours

• Visitor orientation message will improve dramatically 

• Immediate proximity to greatly increase the tours and usage of the Havilah Beardsley House

INCREASING THE RUTHMERE CAMPUS' CAPACITY

• Greatly increased ADA compliant space
• Main gathering space will be used for a variety of flexible purposes: field trips, visitor orientation, special programs, catered events
• Proximity to the Havilah Beardsley House will allow for the possibility of more large event use for both indoor and outdoor activities
• Project includes improvements to an off-site storage facility