Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville Names New Director

June 23, 2011

CHARLOTTE – Discovery Place, Inc. announced that Barrett Long has been appointed director, Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. Long, who has served as interim director of the Museum since February, will oversee all operations and administration for Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. The Museum, part of the Discovery Place, Inc. family, opened in October 2010 and offers creative learning-through-play experiences for children and their caregivers that build essential childhood skills through curiosity, discovery and fun.

As an 11-year employee of Discovery Place, Long brings many skills and years of operations experience to the director role. He most recently served as transition director for Discovery Place’s 18-month renovation project. Prior to that role Long served as director of Museum operations and has managed numerous departments during his tenure, including Guest Services, Building Services, Live Care, Retail Sales and Information Systems, and the IMAX® Dome Theatre. Barrett is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Discovery Place, Inc. also named Akil Stewart director, Building Services at Discovery Place’s main North Tryon Street location. In this role Stewart will manage daily facility operations including maintenance and repairs, building safety and security, and custodial operations. Stewart began his career at Discovery Place in June 2007 and previously served as supervisor, Building Services.

About Discovery Place

One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage the public in the active exploration of science and nature. More than a half-million people from all over the United States visit Discovery Place, its IMAX® Dome Theatre and Charlotte Nature Museum each year. In June 2010, the Museum completed an 18-month, $31.6 million renovation, resulting in a completely transformed and re-imagined experience with all-new interactive exhibits. Discovery Place is supported, in part, with operating support from the Arts & Science Council. Connect with Discovery Place on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Discovery Place is located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street. Convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck – the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex – at the corner of Sixth and Church Streets. For more information about Discovery Place call (704) 372-6261 or visit discoveryplace.org.

About Discovery Place KIDS
Discovery Place KIDS is an innovative model in regional children’s museums developed by Discovery Place, Inc., the parent company of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum. Discovery Place KIDS is built on the theme of “I CAN” and offers unique opportunities for learning through play for children and their parents or caregivers. For more information about Discovery Place KIDS, call 704-372-6261 or visit discoveryplaceKIDS.org.

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