November 10, 2023 marked a historic moment as Discovery Center at Water’s Edge, a beacon of scientific exploration, officially opened its Phase 1 Preview Center with a grand celebration attended by esteemed guests, dignitaries, and community members.
The festivities kicked off at 1:00 PM with a warm welcome, featuring refreshments in the lobby by
Water’s Edge Event Catering, a book signing by renowned author Kathy Kleiman of “Proving Ground,”
and photo opportunities with special guests, including the robotic dog Spot, Darth Zul from the Star
Wars Science Universe, and Rosalind.
The highlight of the day was the live-streamed ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:30 PM, featuring color
presentations by the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Honor Guard, the National Anthem sung by
Project Manager Jennifer Jones, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Girl Scout Troop 2178, and remarks from
notable figures such as Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly and Dr. Pat Baker, director of the Army
Research Laboratory (ARL). Proclamations were presented, and Charlie Nietubicz, board president,
delivered impactful remarks before the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
From 2:00 to 3:00 PM, attendees had the opportunity to preview the facility, exploring the Exhibit Hall
with interactive displays on topics like the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Science in Agriculture, Things
That Fly, ICE Virtual Reality Experience, Constructions Corner, Interactive Magnet Wall, Newton’s Laws,
and a Helmet Display. Classrooms showcased ARL Robotics Research, CBC SpheroBots, Science Saturday,
and Coding & Robotics Academy. The Workshop featured a Defense Interns Virtual Reality Demo, while
the Conference Room housed the ARL Neuroscience/VR Exhibit.
Among the distinguished guests present were Senator Mary-Dulany James, Delegate Susan McComas,
Delegate Steve Johnson, County Executive Bob Cassilly, Councilman Dion Guthrie, Heather Cantos on
behalf of Councilman Jacob Bennett, Dr. Pat Baker, director of the Army Research Laboratory, Frank King,
chief counsel for Army Materiel Command Legal Center, Dr. Theresa Felder, president of Harford
Community College, Andrew Renzulli, director of Curriculum and Instruction for Harford County Public
Schools, and Karen Holt, director of the Office of Economic Development in Harford County, adding to
the significance of the event.
A public celebration from 4:00 to 7:00 PM welcomed families from the community, allowing them to
explore the facility and participate in the engaging activities. The Center was made possible by county,
state, and federal grants and the generous support of backers, including Jim Foulk of Waters Edge Event
Center who developed the Water’s Edge site, SURVICE Engineering, Energetics Technology Center, Route
40 Business Association, Architectural Design Works, PK Law, Freedom and APG Federal Credit Unions,
and other notable contributors. Their commitment and partnership enabled the opening of this Phase 1
Preview Center, which will offer drop-in hours for children and families, alongside a diverse range of
STEM programming, special events, and birthday parties.
Discovery Center at Water’s Edge expresses sincere gratitude to all sponsors, partners, and community
members who played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. The Phase 1 Preview Center represents
the initial step in the Center’s mission to inspire curiosity, foster learning, make science accessible to all
and help build the future STEM workforce.
