Photo Credit: Los Alamos County

If you’ve ever wondered why the Bradbury Science Museum doesn’t have a gift shop, you’re not alone. “There is huge demand for a gift shop in the museum,” says Ryn Herrmann, vice-president of the Bradbury Science Museum Association (BSMA). “But because the museum is a Lab facility, managed by the Department of Energy, it’s not allowed to offer things you might find at other museums, such as a store.”

That’s where the newly formed BSMA comes in—to serve as the Bradbury’s nonprofit partner and fill the opportunities that the museum cannot legally fill itself. "A nonprofit organization that represents the Los Alamos and BSM mission has been needed for a long time to carry forth the functions and services that are needed and expected," explains BSMA President Andre Trottier, noting that the BSMA operates on an "institutional agreement" with the Laboratory. “In addition to opening a gift shop, the BSMA also plans to provide volunteer opportunities to expand museum outreach and build support for the museum mission through memberships and donations.” 

The association will also provide science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education programs and scientific literacy for people of all ages through workshops, field trips, and special events. “The BSMA is not funded by the Lab, so the association must raise funds through memberships, donations, sponsorships, and proceeds from a museum store,” says BSMA Secretary KayLinda Crawford.

The store, called Gadgets, will be a moveable kiosk inside the museum and will likely open on Saturday, December 2, during Winterfest. 

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