MUSEUM FORGES PARTNERSHIP WITH CITY OF DEERFIELD BEACH TO LAUNCH STATE-OF-THE-ART MARINE SCIENCE CENTER
Since joining the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in 2018, President and CEO Joseph P. Cox has championed environmental education and stewardship for our community’s youth through significant expansion, outreach and development projects.
Under his continuing visionary leadership, MODS is at the forefront of advancing STEM education, seamlessly integrating sustainability and innovation to empower future leaders through transformative initiatives. One such significant endeavor is the development of a groundbreaking marine science center at Sullivan Park, in partnership with the Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (DBCRA). This 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, set to open in summer 2026, will showcase interactive exhibits offering visitors insights into South Florida’s interconnected ecosystems.
“The Museum of Discovery and Science is excited to collaborate with the City of Deerfield Beach to develop and bring a marine science center to both residents and tourists,” said Cox. “After extensive discussions, it was clear that our shared vision to educate, raise awareness and preserve our unique ecological environments made this partnership the perfect opportunity to further MODS’ mission of connecting people to inspiring science.”
MODS was selected for this partnership due to its leadership in environmental education through several prominent regional, state and national initiatives spearheaded by Cox.
In 2022, MODS was designated as the Hub for Resilience Education by the Community Foundation of Broward, recognizing it as a pivotal force in leading the community’s conversation, education and action regarding environmental sustainability and resilience. Additional programs rolled out under his tenure include the MODS STEMobile fleet, a mobile makerspace which delivers free and low-cost programs to more than 60,000 people annually, involvement in “Caretakers of Wonder,” a national consortium of museums that developed a climate and resilience framework for young children, and the Visit Lauderdale Science Festival, attracting more than 10,000 guests annually. These initiatives demonstrate MODS’ commitment to shaping STEM in the community.
The DBCRA is funding the design and construction of the center, with MODS contributing expertise in exhibit design, educational programming and visitor engagement. The Center will expand the Museum’s impact as Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education and extend its MODS’ STEMobile and EcoExplorers high school internship programs into North Broward and Palm Beach, delivering impactful, year-round STEM education to schools and communities.
The goal of the DBCRA and MODS partnership is to create an immersive space that explores South Florida ecosystems. The center will feature interactive exhibits and activities highlighting the importance of ecosystems from sawgrass to seagrass in water quality, wildlife habitats and climate resilience. It will also promote environmental stewardship and career opportunities equipping visitors with practical tools for conservation.
The Sullivan Park redevelopment marks the next phase of the City’s vision to revitalize the Cove Shopping Center area by creating a vibrant urban park that attracts families from across South Florida and eco-tourists from around the world. As part of this vision, the DBCRA acquired the former Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce building, which will be transformed into the marine science center, further positioning the city as a premiere destination for eco-tourism and marine education.
The CRA Board of Directors recognize the importance of partnership of this magnitude and the impact for future generations.
“Having the Museum of Discovery and Science in Deerfield Beach is a huge win for our City as we enhance our identity as a nautical destination,” said Mayor Bill Ganz. “We’re fortunate that the MODS board of directors shares our vision of creating a children’s marine science center in Deerfield Beach and is allowing us to tap MODS staff for their expertise in making it happen. As someone who has seen this project from an idea on the back of a napkin to where we are today, I am very proud of this milestone.”
“‘Go Bold’ has been my call to action for the City of Deerfield Beach,” said the City’s Vice Mayor Todd Drosky. “This partnership with the renowned Museum of Discovery and Science is a great example of our city going bold to create something special we’ll be able to enjoy for years to come!”
District 1 Commissioner Michael Hudak added, “Ever since becoming commissioner, one of my goals was to partner with organizations that share our goals. MODS is a first-class organization with a shared goal of educating our community’s youth for years to come.”
Cox’s efforts to promote youth environmental stewardship and action don’t end there.
Complementing this effort, MODS recently earned a $2.5 million Lilly Endowment grant to weave character development into STEM learning, inspiring young minds to tackle challenges with confidence, creativity and compassion.
The award-winning Museum recently was awarded a $2.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to advance the Museum’s commitment to fostering character development in children. This will support MODS’ Building a Better World Together permanent exhibit designed to empower the next generation by integrating character development into the Museum’s offerings and inspiring young people to become confident, thoughtful leaders. MODS was one of just 15 children’s museums, nationwide, that was funded through the initiative that encourages the development of positive character traits such as curiosity, empathy, compassion, integrity, kindness, teamwork, respect, responsibility, courage and community awareness in children.
Slated to open at MODS in 2026, the 5,000-square-foot Building a Better World Together permanent exhibit will become the centerpiece of the Museum’s first-floor experience engaging children and adults in a creative atmosphere that inspires innovative thinking and empowers them to make meaningful contributions to their families, communities and to the world around them.
Building a Better World Together is designed for children of all ages, starting as young as 5. Highlights will include a digital theater exploring Florida’s past, present and future; live coral reef research station and an aquifer model showcasing conservation efforts; and a mangrove-themed climber that builds resilience and confidence. Interactive features like LEGO® Build the Change and a community pledge wall encourage teamwork, creativity and stewardship. Through age-appropriate activities, guests explore ecosystems, develop critical thinking and learn about the importance of caring for our planet.
Cox added, “At the heart of Building a Better World Together is the belief that character development must be experiential and age appropriate. As children grow, their experiences and lessons evolve to deepen their understanding and ability to act. Our approach ensures that these traits become integral to everyday decision-making. This project goes beyond teaching facts; it inspires lifelong values.”
What sets this project apart is its focus on character development. Through extensive research and feedback from more than 1,500 Museum guests, educators, community partners and staff, MODS identified four foundational traits — critical thinking, caring, cooperation and confidence — as essential for empowering children to navigate challenges and act with purpose, rooted in hope.
Building a Better World Together is only part of the Museum’s efforts to promote character development in children. The Museum’s intention is to cultivate character traits throughout its exhibits, programs and events. Its Discovery Spot exhibit encourages early learners and their families to explore the wonders of the Florida ecosystems while the EcoExplorers high school internship program promotes leadership-building. MODS is also introducing new resources, such as the 4C’s Family Resource Kit, to help parents nurture their children’s growth and is establishing Character Corners at Broward County regional libraries to bring these values into the broader community.
“At the core of Building a Better World Together is a powerful question: How can a child take meaningful action to address today’s challenges and build a better world?” said Cox. “We champion education, fostering knowledge, capacity and character essential for 21st-century learning. We are deeply grateful for this grant which will enable us to place character at the forefront of our efforts to inspire hope, spark innovative solutions and empower a generation to shape a brighter future.”
With these two projects on the horizon, Cox has set the bar high to encourage our next generation of leaders to take meaningful steps towards a sustainable and resilient environment for all.
Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science
is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). MODS was selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 15 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.
The Museum of Discovery and Science celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312.
For more information, visit mods.org or call 954.467.MODS (6637).
