There are still many questions unanswered. Some will be answered within the first few months of operation, others will take years to determine. Will all of the exhibits function properly? Which ones will be "hits"? Which ones won't? Have they met all the operational goals? Are the mechanics of the facility working properly? Are the bathroom facilities sufficient? Will the center be able to keep pace with the rapidly changing technology?

Technological changes are only one aspect of keeping up-to-date. Will the creative approaches that they use today work with students who arrive a year from now? Two years from now? Ten years? Will they have provided an environment where the staff continues to grow? Will they be able to sustain the enthusiasm for innovation they captured at the beginning of the process? Will staff feel as energized and challenged by the problems as well as the successes that arise?

Memorial is already looking at ways to grow and change as an organization. As many schools have begun to incorporate distance learning technologies Memorial is considering expanding the pre-visit activities to include a "virtual" session with one of the instruction staff. They are investigating new curricula and looking at ways to bring teens and young adults into the center. They will constantly be listening to the community to best determine how to meet and address their needs and expectations.

It is important to recognize, as Memorial has with HealthWorks! Kids' Museum, that creating something by thinking "outside the box" is an exciting experiment. It gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself, your colleagues and your community. But, it is not without risk or hard work. Over the coming years Memorial will be periodically updating this learning history to let you know the progress of the journey. While they hope it is a tale of relatively smooth sailing and success, they are almost certain there are more lessons for us to learn and share with you.

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