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ROCHESTER MUSEUM & SCIENCE CENTER
ROCHESTER, NY · EIN 160794131 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE A560 · Arts, Culture & Humanities · Medium ($1M-$10M) · rmsc.org
revenue
$8.7M
expenses
$9.7M
net assets
$23.0M
employees
246
volunteers
481
program ratio
85%
mission · from form 990

THE ORGANIZATION OPERATES A MUSEUM, SCIENCE CENTER, AND NATURE CENTER.

profile · synthesized from sources

Rochester Museum & Science Center operates a museum, science center, and nature center in Rochester, NY, offering informal STEM, natural history, and cultural learning experiences for visitors and school groups. It serves the public through interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, educational camps, and community programs. The organization also maintains a collection of over 1.2 million objects and specimens for research and public engagement.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024

What they reported doing

  1. #1 primary $3.65M
    RMSC LED REGIONAL PREPARATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE ON APRIL 8, 2024. TO INCREASE ACCESS FOR ALL, RMSC LAUNCHED AMAZON FREE AFTERNOONS ACROSS ALL THREE OF OUR LOCATIONS. THE RMSC PROUDLY OPENED HAUDENOSAUNEE CONTINUITY, INNOVATION, RESILIENCE, A POWERFUL EXHIBITION HONORING THE VIBRANT CULTURE AND ONGOING CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE HAUDENOSAUNEE PEOPLE. AT THE CUMMING NATURE CENTER, GUESTS EXPLORED THE NEWLY BUILT BEAVER POND OBSERVATION TOWER. THE STRASENBURGH PLANETARIUM ACHIEVED RECORD-BREAKING ATTENDANCE IN 2024, DRIVEN BY ECLIPSE PROGRAMMING, A SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF SCHOOL FIELD TRIP OFFERINGS, AND THE ADDITION OF NEW LASER SHOWS. IN 2024, RMSC HAS OVER 5,700 MEMBERS.
  2. #2 $911K
    THE RMSC COLLECTS, CARES FOR, AND MAKES ACCESSIBLE MORE THAN 1.2 MILLION OBJECTS AND SPECIMENS IN FOUR BROAD CATEGORIES: NATURAL SCIENCES, REGIONAL HISTORY/HUMAN CULTURES, LIBRARY/ARCHIVES, AND TEACHING COLLECTIONS. THESE OBJECTS ARE INTEGRAL TO TELLING THE STORY OF ROCHESTER'S NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND INNOVATIVE PAST AND PRESENT. THE DEDICATED RMSC COLLECTIONS TEAM RESPONDS TO MORE THAN 2,000 INQUIRIES ANNUALLY AND CONNECTS THE PUBLIC WITH OUR OBJECTS THROUGH OUR WEBSITE AND BY INCLUDING THESE OBJECTS IN PROGRAMS AND EXHIBITS TO PROVIDE CONTEXT AND CONNECTIONS, TELLING STORIES AND ADDING LAYERS THAT BRING MUSEUM EXPERENCES TO LIFE.
named programs · 5 · from sources

What they call their work

Amazon Free Afternoons
Program offering free admission and activities across RMSC locations to increase access for all visitors
Curiosity Camps
Week-long summer and break camps for children at the RMSC Museum & Science Center and Cumming Nature Center, featuring hands-on science, technology, and nature activities
Haudenosaunee Continuity, Innovation, Resilience
Exhibition honoring the culture and contributions of the Haudenosaunee people through historical and contemporary storytelling
Scouting at the RMSC
Badge-focused programs for Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts of America, including instructor-led activities at the museum and nature center aligned with scouting requirements
Strasenburgh Planetarium Eclipse Programming
Specialized planetarium shows and educational events centered on the 2024 total solar eclipse, contributing to record attendance
activities · 9 groups

What they do

  • Onsite & Outreach Environmental Education Programs 1 activity
    • Deliver public science and nature programming
      Hosts recurring public events including weekly themed science activities, monthly Sensory Sundays, free admission afternoons, and free viewing events for astronomical phenomena such as eclipses. Offers guided nature walks, citizen science BioBlitz events, forest bathing, and composting workshops at the Cumming Nature Center to promote community engagement with science and nature.
  • Youth Counselor-in-Training Programs 1 activity
    • Engage youth as program volunteers
      Recruits youth aged 15–17 to serve as volunteers in Curiosity Camps and other educational programs, supporting camp activities and providing mentorship to younger participants.
  • Equitable Access Admission Programs 1 activity
    • Expand access through free and reduced admission programs
      Provides free or reduced-cost admission to underserved populations through initiatives such as Museums for All ($5 admission with EBT/Medicaid), free access for active-duty military personnel, RIT/NTID students and staff, and enrolled members of federally and state-recognized tribes. Offers free admission days and educator passes for lesson planning.
  • Children's Themed Birthday Parties 1 activity
    • Host member-exclusive and private events
      Offers monthly science and beverage events exclusively for members and hosts private events such as birthday parties, weddings, and corporate gatherings in museum galleries and planetarium spaces. Birthday packages include customized science activities, planetarium shows, and admission for guests.
  • Local History Preservation and Education 1 activity
    • Manage and utilize museum collections for public education
      Curates and maintains over 1.2 million objects and specimens across natural sciences, regional history, and human cultures, integrating them into exhibits, public programs, and over 2,000 annual public inquiries to enhance educational experiences.
  • Public Astronomy & Space Science Education 1 activity
    • Operate interactive museum exhibits and planetarium experiences
      Manages a campus featuring over 1.2 million collection objects and more than 120 interactive exhibits across science, history, and culture, including permanent installations such as Expedition Earth, the Hodinöšyö:nih culture exhibition, Wonders of Water, Nano, Science On a Sphere, and the Inventor Center. Operates the Strasenburgh Planetarium with daily star shows, laser shows, and giant screen films.
  • Hands-On STEM Education Programs 1 activity
    • Provide STEM-focused youth camps and educational field trips
      Offers Curiosity Camps during summer and school breaks, as well as field trip programs for school and Scout groups, serving children ages 2–15 with hands-on science, nature exploration, robotics, engineering, and local history education. Programs include week-long camps during February and spring breaks, summer sessions, and virtual or on-site field trips aligned with educational standards.
  • History Education Curriculum Development 1 activity
    • Provide educator resources and curriculum support
      Produces downloadable curriculum materials, educator guides, and themed learning pathways aligned with NYS Learning Standards to support pre- and post-visit learning for school groups and self-guided programs.
  • Summer Camp Access Scholarships 1 activity
    • Support educational access through scholarship programs
      Offers need-based scholarships covering up to 50% of fees for Curiosity Camps and other educational experiences for families receiving SNAP or Medicaid, with rolling applications and documentation requirements. Scholarships are available for up to two weeks per camper and four per family annually.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$8.69M
Contributions & grants$4.24M49%
Program service revenue$3.18M37%
Investment income$553K6%
Other revenue$718K
expenses
Total expenses$9.75M
Program expenses85%
Admin / overhead10%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$5.08M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$26.05M
Cash$314K
Investments$9.05M
Liabilities$3.02M
Net assets$23.03M
Liquid reserves11.5 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -11.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 3
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
HILLARY OLSON PRESIDENT/CEO 40 $210K
DAVID PESTKE TREASURER & VP OF FINANCE (THRU 9/24) 40 $93K
WARD BRAMLETT VP OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS (STARTING 10/24) 40 $14K
board members · 22
  • ALEX MOLINICH — TRUSTEE
  • ANA LISS — TRUSTEE
  • ANDRE HUDSON PHD — TRUSTEE
  • ANDREW J MELONI JR — HONORARY TRUSTEE
  • ANURAG SHRIVASTAVA MD — VICE CHAIR, COMMITTEE ON TRUSTEES
  • BARBARA POWER — TRUSTEE
  • BRUCE BAKER — TRUSTEE
  • CAROLYN COSSAVELLA — TRUSTEE
  • CHIRSTINE B WHITMAN — HONORARY TRUSTEE
  • DANIEL KEELEY — CO-VICE CHAIR, ADVANCEMENT
  • DANIEL PIETERS — TRUSTEE
  • DAVID PAYNE — TRUSTEE
  • DUNCAN MOORE PHD — HONORARY TRUSTEE
  • ELENA NESCIO — TRUSTEE
  • ELIZABETH DEL VALLE — TRUSTEE
  • ERIC SNAVELY — TRUSTEE
  • JACQUELINE B LEE — CHAIR
  • JAMES MEYER — TRUSTEE
  • JOHN BRUNING PHD — HONORARY TRUSTEE
  • JOHN CARVER PHD — VICE CHAIR, VISITOR EXPERIENCE
  • JON L SCHUMACHER ESQ — HONORARY TRUSTEE
  • KELLEY ROSS-BROWN — VICE CHAIR, GOVERNANCE/AUDIT COMMITTEE CHAIR
relationships · 36

Who they work with

  • Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of Science Partner — Collaborates with RMSC staff to provide expert-led astronomy programming and eclipse viewing events.
  • Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of Science Partner — Collaborates with RMSC to provide expert-led astronomy programming, including eclipse viewing events.
  • Avangrid Foundation Funder — Provides financial support for RMSC camp scholarships.
  • Avangrid Foundation Funder — Provides financial support that enables RMSC school scholarship programs.
  • Avangrid Foundation Funder — Provides funding for RMSC educational scholarship opportunities.
  • Avangrid Foundation Partner — Provided funding for educational experience scholarships.
  • Blue Star Families Partner — Collaborates with Blue Star Museums to provide free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families.
  • Bosch Community Fund Funder — Provides financial support for RMSC camp scholarships.
  • Bosch Community Fund Funder — Provides funding for RMSC educational scholarship opportunities.
  • Bosch Community Fund Partner — Provided funding for educational experience scholarships.
  • Buffalo Museum of Science Network — Recognizes membership cards from the Buffalo Museum of Science and other ASTC-participating institutions for free admission.
  • CITY Magazine Network — Recognized RMSC Curiosity Camps as Best Camp for Kids in 2022, 2024, and 2025.
  • CITY Magazine Partner — Recognized RMSC Curiosity Camps as Best Camp for Kids in 2022, 2024, and 2025.
  • Cumming Nature Center Network — Part of the RMSC network, offering hiking and ski trails, a visitor center, and environmental education programs.
  • Cumming Nature Center Partner — Co-hosts summer curiosity camps focused on nature exploration and outdoor education.
  • Department of Defense Government — Participates in the Blue Star Museums program in collaboration with the Department of Defense.
  • Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Partner — Partners with the RMSC to provide transportation cost coverage and discounted admission for field trips through the Ticket to Ride program.
  • Girl Scouts of America Partner — Provides programming aligned with Girl Scouts of America badge requirements
  • Institute of Museum and Library Services Network — Participating museum in the Museums for All program, a signature access initiative of IMLS.
  • L3Harris Technologies Funder — Provides financial support for RMSC camp scholarships.
  • L3Harris Technologies Funder — Provides financial support that enables RMSC school scholarship programs.
  • Monroe County Government — Provides public funding support for RMSC programs.
  • NASA Partner — Collaborated on a NASA downlink event at the Strasenburgh Planetarium.
  • National Endowment for the Arts Coalition — Participates in the Blue Star Museums coalition, which includes the NEA, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense.
  • New York State Council on the Arts Government — Provides public funding support for RMSC programs.
  • Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Partner — Supported the RMSC Delivers program.
  • Savoia Bakery Partner — Supplies cakes for birthday parties at Strasenburgh Planetarium.
  • Scouts BSA Partner — Provides programming aligned with Scouts BSA badge requirements
  • Strasenburgh Planetarium Government — Operates the 65-foot domed Strasenburgh Planetarium as part of its science center offerings.
  • Strasenburgh Planetarium Network — Collaborates on programming within the RMSC campus, including star shows and laser shows.
+ 6 more
strategies · 5

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Culturally Grounded Immersive Exhibitions
    methodology: culturally_immersive_education
    By using architecture, narrative, and art to create immersive experiences rooted in Hodinöšyö:nih culture, we promote understanding of Indigenous history and contemporary life, because culturally authentic representation fosters respect, counters erasure, and enables identity-affirming education.
  • Equity-Based Access Through Financial and Physical Outreach
    methodology: equity-based_access
    By removing financial and geographic barriers through free admission events, scholarships, and mobile outreach, we broaden participation in STEM learning among underserved communities, because equitable access is foundational to achieving inclusive science literacy and lifelong engagement.
  • Experiential and Immersive Education
    methodology: experiential_education
    By immersing learners in realistic, interactive environments—whether scientific, historical, or cultural—we deepen engagement and understanding, because experiential participation fosters emotional connection and cognitive retention beyond what traditional methods achieve.
  • Hands-on, Minds-on Inquiry-Based Learning
    methodology: inquiry-based_learning
    By engaging learners in hands-on, inquiry-driven science experiences, we foster sustained curiosity and deeper understanding in STEM, because active exploration through play and experimentation leads to more meaningful and lasting learning than passive instruction.
  • Using Controversial Historical Content for Critical Social Learning
    methodology: critical_historical_education
    By presenting historical racist media in a curated educational context, we teach about systemic racism and promote social equity, because confronting uncomfortable truths through guided reflection fosters critical consciousness and empowers learners to challenge injustice.