The Nature Research Center

The Nature Research Center is a project through which the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences provides NASA with a permanent presence through the creation of NASA-themed exhibits in its new wing (the Nature Research Center), hosting special events, educator workshops and special programming, all of which serve the general population and seek to improve understanding of and engagement with science. 
The lead institution is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. 
Goals, expected and actual outcomes are as follows:
Exhibits in the new wing were expected to reach 200,000 individuals in its inaugural year; in only 8 months, the Museum has welcomed over 1 million visitors.  Astronomy Days’ goal was to reach 20,000 people per year and is on target for meeting this goal.
Educator Workshops’ goal was to reach 32 educators per workshop and is on target for meeting this goal.
The Museum’s visitor base has demonstrated an insatiable desire for NASA-themed programs.  Attendance at Astronomy Days remains impressive and special space events (such as the transit of Venus, or live downlinks with the International Space Station) attract  larger-than-expected audiences.  The Museum appreciates NASA’s support and is eager to continue providing NASA with an ongoing presence in Raleigh, NC.