Staff Writer
EASTON – The Francis Malcolm Science Center celebrated its 25th anniversary Oct. 23, with special activities offered throughout the day.
Larry Berz, director of the center, welcomed members of SAGE (Seniors Achieving Greater Education) early in the day, sharing the history of the center with the group, before moving on to a group project.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
In search of a star or other heavenly body, visitors took part in a 25th anniversary celebration was held at the Francis Malcolm Science Center in Easton on Oct. 23, to mark the many years the facility has been serving the educational needs of its guests. During the event, SAGE members got the opportunity to create their own telescopes. Pictured with their creations, from left: Gerald Gallagher, SAGE member, Presque Isle; Rod Lamoreau, SAGE member, Mapleton; Dean MacDonald, SAGE member, Oxbow; Larry Berz, center director; Marilyn Chase, SAGE member, Garfield. SAGE members also taking part but not pictured were: Janet Snow, Presque Isle; Ed Chase, Garfield; and Lester Bartley, Presque Isle.
“We can boast 25 years of service. We’ve had 100,000 students pass through here,” said Berz, adding, “I accepted with vigor my position to promote and educate through science.”
Berz began by explaining how Francis Malcolm, born in 1894, donated the land where the center is now situated.
“The center is built on the site of the Malcolm family farm. He was educated through Ricker College, then attended Cornell and Columbia,” said Berz, noting Malcolm spent much of his adult life working in the school system of Green Mountain, Vt. “He never married and was considered eccentric but generous and proud.”
Eventually, Malcolm moved to Alaska, before retiring to California, according to Berz.
“He invested in the real estate market and did well. It was at that point he decided to give something back to the land and people back home in Aroostook County,” said Berz.
At first, Berz said the idea was to create a model farm “quasi-museum” on 300 acres of land. Malcolm died in 1977, prior to construction at the site.
“He never saw construction start here. Despite the idea to enshrine the farm, others ran with an idea and an alternate proposal,” said Berz.
And thus, the result was the Science Center – a facility designed to encompass all learning.
“It was decided to not limit science to the lab but to reach up to the stars,” explained Berz.
Berz said Malcolm’s idea was born from the tradition of county residents being hardworking people, “that go that extra mile.”
“What an incredible project came of that dream. We’re the northernmost planetarium in the continental U.S.,” said Berz. “As the result of Malcolm’s vision, on Oct. 23, 1983, the Francis Malcolm Science Center opened its doors. The original managers of the project were Phil and Peg Orser, of Fort Fairfield. Margaret “Peg” Orser was Francis Malcolm’s niece. She and her husband conserved and established the center.”
Berz said the Orser’s son, James Orser, now oversees management of the center.
The original emphasis at the site was on soil, water and agriculture. It’s grown far beyond that, incorporating a trail system and planetary events.
“We offer scores of life and physical science programs. We successfully manage to fill the needs of not just the schools but the public,” said Berz.
“The real lesson we want to tell children is that they’re important. Francis Malcolm went from a farm boy to something magnificent. They can too,” said Berz. “We have strength and potential.”
SAGE members got a hands-on opportunity to experience what the center is all about as Berz led them in making their own telescopes, using lenses, cardboard tubes and other materials.
“Telescopes have been used for hundreds of years and range from small hand-held ones to huge units that weigh thousands of pounds,” explained Berz.
With the telescopes complete, participants went outside the center, where they were able to view the still visible moon in the bright blue sky.
“This is a wonderful place to come and learn. I plan and coordinate activities for SAGE. This is one place we frequent. There’s always something interesting taking place,” said Janet Snowe.
Berz welcomes visitors of all ages to check out the facility year-round. Upcoming events include a program on Apollo 8 on Nov. 15 and a wreathmaking course. For more information on the center and its program, contact 488-5451.
