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Visit Us/HoursAdmission to the Paper Discovery Center included lots of extra activities - visitors got to: Make a penguin paper chain, bracelet, origami figures (from simple to more complex), and more. They followed happy feet through a migration maze unveiling interesting penguin facts as they went. They played the Protective Papa Penguin game as they shuffled an egg through an obstacle course. They fed the penguin in a fish toss game. Visitors were given the option to embed a penguin image into a sheet of recycled paper that they made in the Purdy-Weissenborn paper lab. The Paper Discovery Center was closed Christmas and New Year's eves. Click here to see photos.
• Thanksgiving Special - November 25 & 25, 2011
Visitors made a turkey call, solved time-line riddles about the Pilgrims and Indian tribes on the Fox River, made paper crafts with a Thanksgiving theme - all these extra activities were included in regular admission price.
• After School Outreach - November, 2011
The Paper Discovery Center, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum, and Gardens of the Fox Cities collaborated to bring a thematic program on color to 21st Century after school programs in Neenah, Menasha, and Appleton. Many facets of color were explored by the three non-profit venues who pooled their talents - color in: science, glass artwork, and nature. Click here to see photos
• Cracking the Code - Oct 25, 2011
Time Warner Cable employees led engaging sessions where pre-teens from the Fox Cities learned about communications in cyber space. This was the kick-off event of the F.O.C.U.S. collaboration, aimed at enhancing the interest and knowledge in STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Click here to see photos
• Paper Around the World - Sept 17 - Oct 15, 2011
France, India, Finland, and Mexico were the countries highlighted in this year's event. Visitors made crafts, such as Decoupage picture frames and paper bead bracelets, played games, such as Lotteria - a bingo matching game with pictures and Spanish words, and they did map activities. All this extra hands-on fun was included in regular admission price. Click here to see photos
• Summer Science Series Sponsored by SCA, June - Aug, 2011
Lots of hands-on activities, demonstrations, and experiments. Six different concepts, one per week, were explored. To see a flyer for the event with dates and topics click here
Click below to see photos of a few of the special days
• optical illusions
• science of separation
• Earth Day / Arbor Day Celebration - April 22, 23, & 25, 2011
FREE Pine Tree Seedlings were given with admission, courtesy of Plum Creek. Lots of hands-on activities where visitors: learned about rag paper, made a paper recycling book and a tree pop-up card, and more. Specials offered each day.
• Friday, PARENTS WERE FREE, Visitors climbed to the rafters with Appleton City Foresters, 10am - 2 pm
• Saturday, FREE movies during open hours: Tapped, Arbor Day, Tree Wishes . Special after hours showing, was offerred at 4:30pm, of Tapped - a documentary about the big business of bottled water.
• Monday, DISCOUNTS were available on Arnie Grummer Papermaking Supplies in our gift shop, with admission.
To download a flyer for the event click here .
• April Showers Bring May Flowers - April 30 - May 7, 2011
Visitors were able to make beautiful paper flowers with a number of techniques: origami, tissue folding, and Krimp Art. Great craft to celebrate Cinco De Mayo, Mothers Day, and Spring! All the crafts are FREE, included with regular admission.
To download a flyer for the event click here .
• Fox Cities Book Festival Presentations at the Paper Discovery Center
Saturday, April 16, 1 pm - From Trash to Treasure by Arnie Grummer - A hand-papermaking craft book that emphasizes recycling.
These presentations included a variety of formats: panel discussions and paper-making demonstrations. FREE. To download a flyer for the event click here
• Printing with Passion, December 11 - 30, 2010.
Visitors over the winter school break saw the opening of our print exhibit which includes a working printing press from 100 years ago, information and games about printing inventions. Special hands on activities included: printing a sheet of holiday wrapping paper using sponge stamps, paint and glitter, making a holiday themed sheet of paper in the Purdy-Weissenborn paper lab and turning it into a greeting card if they wanted, printing with edible inks and paper to make a sweet treat, printing & folding your own Cootie catcher, folding an origami ornament, and more. On December 11, there was speical activities downstairs for FREE, including: holiday story telling, scavenger hunt, paper snowflakes, and experimenting with the sounds of the holiday. Outside there was a petting zoo, courtesy of Cavanaugh's and the NEW APPLE Corps Robotics Team held a fun demonstration. To download a flyer for the event click here
• Science Workshops for Home Educators, selected Fridays in Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb, and Mar, 2010-2011. 9-11am or 1-3 pm.
A number of classes were available to register for. The sessions included: hands-on activities, demonstrations, and interactive discussion. To see a flyer listing topics and dates click here .
• Paper Around the World, Sept 18 - Oct 16, 2010.
Visitors participated in paper crafts and games from 4 different countries: Australia, Germany, Mexico, South Korea. There was an opportunity to use a GPS unit to search for a geo-cache hidden on the property. The event was sponsored by Metso. To see photos of the various crafts and games, click here
• Summer Science Series - 2010
SCA sponsored this series of events which included lots of hands-on activities focused on a particular science theme. To see a list of topics and dates, click here .
• Earth Day Celebration. Saturday, April 24, 2010. Throughout the day (10 am - 4 pm) there were hands-on activities, games, art projects with recycled paper, and special displays and presentations about environmental science and trees. All visitors received a free pine tree seedling, courtesy of Plum Creek. From 10am - noon, visitors climbed to the rafters with the help of Appleton City Foresters using tree climbing harnesses. All this was included in regular admission price. To see photos of this year's event click here.
• FIBERSCAPES Exhibit: An interactive way to experience paper in 3-D, here until May 31, 2010. Returned by popular demand. Exhibit-goers wearing 3-D glasses took an exciting walk inside a sheet of paper. Fiber images projected on the walls and floor surrounded the visitor, inviting them to reach out for the fibers before them. The exhibit were here throughout the school year and were incorporated into field trips.
• Celebrate Spring & NanoDays, March 27 - April 3, 2010. Throughout the day (10 am - 4 pm) there was hands-on paper arts and crafts with a spring theme, and science activities that explore the world of the super small. All included in the regular admission price.
To see a flyer click here.
• Pop Up Book Paper Engineering Demonstration and Presentation, Monday April 12, 7:00-8:30 pm.
This FREE event is sponsored by RR Donnelly, collaborative provider of integrated communications and well-known producer of books from the Fox Cities. The event is part of our Evening Learning Series (Jan - April). See past events for a list of all the 2010 speakers. Shawn Sheehy, the presenter, is a paper engineer and teacher in the world of limited-edition trade pop-up books. This presentation is also part of the Fox Cities Book Festival .
• Pop-up Book Paper Engineering Adult Workshop & Dinner, Sunday, April 11, 2010. 6-8:30pm
Shawn Sheehy, the instructor, is a paper engineer and teacher in the world of limited-edition trade pop-up books guided participants through making their own pop-up project. A dinner preceded the workshop at The Atlas Coffee Mill , next to the Paper Discovery Center. The cost for dinner and workshop was only $40. Dinner 6-7pm and workshop 7-8:30pm. Make your reservation now. Spots are limited. Call 920-380-7491, or e-mail . A similar workshop will also be offered at The Bergstrom-Mahler Museum in Neenah on Tuesday, April 13, 2010.
• 2nd Annual Evening Learning Events, 2nd Monday of the month, January - April, 2010, 7:00-8:30 pm.
Minds were engaged with topics including: sustainability, the world of paper fibers, the Fox River water quality, and Pop-up book paper engineering. To download a flyer with details about speakers and topics for each month, click here.
• Pulp to Paper, Council Wide Program, Saturday, Jan 30, 2010
From 8:30 - 11:30 am open to girl scouts of all ages. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to learn the art of papermaking! Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the technology of papermaking, where paper can be found, recycling and the history of papermaking. Here is your chance to play scientist and investigate what a career in the field of science and technology might be like. Cost is $10 each.
• Pi / Einstein Day, Saturday, March 13, 2010. Throughout the day (10 am - 4 pm) there were hands-on activities, experiments, and crafts about pi and its relationship to a circle, speed, and Albert Einstein. All activities were included in regular admission price.
To see photos of the 2009 event click here.
• Science of Sight - Dec.19-30, 2009.
FREE hands-on science and art activities throughout the day, included in admission price. Visitors explored the science of sight and were awed by optical illusions. They were able to make their own periscopes and kaleidoscope to take home. The event included holiday paper crafts and origami and the Paper Discovery Center Christmas tree decorated with origami ornaments was on display. To download a flyer, click here. To view a photo album of the event click here.
• Webelo Cub Scout Science Activity Badge. Tuesday and Thursday, Nov 17 & 19, 2009.
Forty five scouts earned their science badge and learned about concepts such as: Bernoulli's principle, Newton's law, and sight. The workshop included an interactive learning session and lots of hands-on activities, showing how the concepts are applied. To see a photo album of the event click here.
• Teacher Professional Development Workshop - Project Learning Tree / LEAF Program. Friday evening & Saturday, Nov 13&14.
Fifteen K-12 educators participated in this continuing education course for 1 graduate credit at the Paper Discovery Center. To see a flyer about the workshop click here.
• Paper Around the World. Saturday, October 9 and 16, 2009.
Visitors had fun with extra hands-on paper crafts and games from China, Germany, India, and United Kingdom, as well as map activities. They also learned about unique features of the paper industry in those regions. Many went on a scavenger hunt, seeking clues about inductees from these countries in the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame. To see a photo album of the event click here.
• Halloween Arts & Crafts. Saturday, October 24 & 31, 2009.
Visitors did extra hands-on Halloween craft projects, included in admission price.
• Project ReDirectory - Recycle outdated phone books. Saturday, September 19, 2009.
FREE ADMISSION was offered to each family that brought in an outdated phone book for recycling, from 10 am - 4 pm. Sponsored by AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Recycle More Wisconsin, and Outagamie County Recycling. Visitors learned more about recycling from presentations and displays! Made a sheet of paper by recycling the yellow pages. Had fun doing art and craft projects using old phone books! Free T-shirts were handed out.
To see a flyer click here.
Photos of the fun click here.
• Dard Hunter Exhibit, April 13 - July 31, 2009.
This exhibit commemorated the legacy of the paper artist, historian, and bookmaker. This display included works of art from the collection of Dard Hunter III, orginal hand-made books, printing and papermaking tools, photographs and stories.
• Summer Science Series sponsored by SCA tissue. Started the 3rd & 4th Wednesday of June, July and August, and runs through Saturday.
Throughout the day (10 am - 4 pm) there was extra hands-on science activitities included in the admission price. Each week a new science concept was explored, such as: forces, water, thermal energy, and more.
To see a flyer click here.
Photos of the fun - Forces click here.
Photos of the fun - Paper Testing click here.
Photos of the fun - Flying Objects click here.
• Earth Day Celebration. Saturday, April 25, 2009.
Throughout the day (10 am - 4 pm) there were hands-on activitities, games, art projects with recycled paper, and special displays and presentations about environmental science and trees. Visitors received a free pine tree seedling with admission. A special Environmental Merit Badge pre-work session for Boy Scouts occurred from 10am - noon. All this was included in regular admission price.
To see photos of the event click here.
• Strange Papers and Cool Paper Machine Models, Oct 1st - Mar 1, 2008 & 2009.
This was a display of amazing textures and colors in handmade paper created from very unique raw materials by artisans from around the world. From bananas to feathers, carrots to blue jeans– these strange raw materials made for incredibly strange papers. Visitors were able to observe the detail and workmanship in a number of fascinating paper machine models, and learned more about the paper making process as scaled replicas portrayed various steps and equipment.
To see a flyer click here
• Evening Learning Events. 2nd Monday of the Month, Jan - April, 2009.
Engage your mind with our guest speakers and group discussion. The events took place at the Paper Discovery Center, from 6:30-8:00 pm. Pre-registration was encouraged. There was no charge for admission; donations were accepted.
To see a flyer click here.
• Celebrate Spring Saturday, April 11, 2009.
Throughout the day (10 am - 4 pm) there was hands-on paper arts and crafts with a spring theme. All activities were included in regular admission price.
To see a flyer click here.
• Pi / Einstein Day. Saturday, March 14, 2009.
Throughout the day (10 am - 4 pm) there were hands-on activitities, experiments, crafts, and videos about pi and its relationship to a circle, speed, and Albert Einstein. All activities were included in regular admission price.
To see photos of the event click here.
• DNR Arbor Day Poster Contest, FREE admission for 5th graders, Saturday, February 7, 2009.
Visitors participated in the National DNR Poster Contest for a chance to win prizes. Any 5th grader, not participating in the contest through their school, were able to make their poster at the Paper Discovery Center. In 2009, the theme was - Trees are Terrific in Cities and Towns. Art supplies and educational materials were provided. For more details about the contest click here
• Valentine Day Special, Saturday, Feb 14, 2009.
Visitors were able to make Valentine paper by hand and Valentine cards. They also participated in Valentine origami and art projects.
• Science workshops for home educators and their families on Tuesdays, Jan 13 - Feb 17.
These were similar activities, demonstrations, and presentations that the Paper Discovery Center offered during the summer science series. Best for ages 12-14 yrs, but there were activities for all ages to enjoy. Registration was required. The cost was $4 for each student. There was no charge for parents and siblings 3 years and under. Registration was limited to the first 24 who signed up. Each week focused on a different science topic.
To download a flyer click here.
To see the details including dates, topics, learning objectives and examples of activities click here.
• The Science & Art of the Holidays, Dec 15th, 2008 - Jan 5th, 2009.
Visitors experimented with sound to understand the science behind favorite holiday tunes, and learned how holiday lights have evolved over time and why; experimented with circuits. Made origami holiday ornaments from recycled gift wrap. Created hand made paper with a holiday theme. Learned the paper converting technology that goes into creating stickers; selected some to take home.
To see photos of visitors having fun during this event click here.
• Summer Science Series - 3rd & 4th Thursday and Saturday in June, July, and Aug, 2008.
Visitors learned various science concepts and participated in many hands-on acitivities. A different science concept was presented each week.
To see a flier which described the summer science series click here.
To see a photos of visitors having fun on the 'Flying Objects' day click here.
To see a photos of visitors having fun on the 'Thermal Energy' day click here.
To see a photos of visitors having fun on the 'Water' day click here.
• Teacher Crime Investigation workshop.
Teachers who missed our crime investigator workshop in April 2008, can make an appointment for an overview of the workshop while supplies last. A chemist with the PDC in Appleton has created 100 CI case studies that involve paper. As well as the story behind the crime, each packet contains a list of analytical tests, a chronology of paper additives (for verifying authenticity), and copies of IR spectra. You'll solve a case hands-on & receive materials for your classroom. To set up an appointment, call 380-7491, or e-mail, Barb Sauer
• High School Science Scholars Institute, closed out until next summer
This program was open to high school sophomores and juniors, but unfortunately a sign-up quota was not reached. The goal was to provide the following benefits: Gain exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) careers through field trips, mentor lunches, and guest speakers. Enhance your science content by learning about the science of paper and by researching a topic in-depth to create an exhibit. Hone your skills in creative problem solving and team work.
To see the application and program description click here.
• Earth Day Celebration: April 19, 2007
The Paper Discovery Center celebrated Earth Day with a number of events on Saturday, April 19. All visitors received free pine tree seedlings, courtesy of Plum Creek. Jean McCulloch Harper, an artist whose works were included in the Bound to Surprise Temporary Art Exhibit (April 1 - May 31, 2007) gave art workshops using recycled paper. Mike Dockry from the US Forest Service gave a presentation on Sustainable Forests. The Fox River Academy kicked off their project to explore your environment in our outdoor learning center.
• Crime Investigator Workshop for teachers: April 12, 2007
Teachers were invited to a free workshop where they used paper tests to solve a crime. They also received materials to use in their classroom.
• Paper Science Saturday - Paper Magic: February 11, 2006
Paper Science Saturday is a new series that will invite a special science presenter to the Center on the second Saturday of each month to help you explore the world of science. Get your hands wet, be a detective and solve a mystery, test paper for its strength - all by joining us for Paper Science Saturdays. We kick off the Paper Science Saturday series in grand fashion on Saturday, February 11th with Paper Magic. Jeff Lindsay, Corporate Patent Strategist and Senior Research Fellow at Kimberly-Clark Corporation in Neenah, has combined his hobby with his work experience to bring about a show on paper magic. Some of his acts include: Anderson's Torn and Restored Newspaper, The Floating Kleenex® Tissue, Pencil Through a Dollar Bill, The Ad I Couldn't Cut Enough, Highly Absorbent Huggies® Diapers, Silk Threads in Currency, The Paper Technology Book Test, The E-mailed Dollar Bill, The Rigid Roll, Dollar Bill in Lemon, and Business Card Warp. Jeff will be performing a 45-minute show for kids and adults of all ages at 2:00. The cost of the performance is included with the cost of admission.
• Paper Arts Series - Krimpart®: February 18, 2006
Sally Berben will make a repeat visit to the Paper Discovery Center on Saturday, February 18th to help visitors turn newspapers into recycled works of art known as Krimpart®. After mastering a simple three-step process, both children and adults will be creating unique paper art sculptures in seconds. A page of newsprint is rolled into a tube, pressed into accordion-like pleats, and then shaped into the basic form - a DONUT. Sounds tasty, doesn't it? Sally will be available from 10:00 till 4:00. The activity is included in the cost of admission.
• Paper Arts Series - Corrugated Board Furniture: March 18, 2006
Learn how corrugated board can be turned into furniture for your home through the skills of student Andy Becker on Saturday, March 18th from 10:00 - 4:00. The activity is included in the cost of admission.
• Boy Scout Pulp & Paper Merit Badge Day: April 29, 2006
The Paper Discovery Center will be offering a full day of activities on Saturday, April 29, 2006, for area Boy Scouts wishing to earn their Pulp & Paper Merit Badges. The day will include tours of the Paper Discovery Center, round-table discussions, and hands-on activities. Details will be publicized through the Boy Scouts of America Bay-Lakes Council office in Appleton. Registration will also be handled through the Bay Lakes Council office and is limited to 30 Boy Scouts.
• Paper Industry International Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: September 28, 2006
The 12th annual Paper Industry International Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Thursday evening, September 28, 2006, at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, WI. Cocktails and the General Reception will be at 5:00 pm with Dinner to follow at 6:30 pm. The Induction Ceremony will begin at 8:00 pm.
The dinner and reception are not only great ways to honor the Inductees and the industry. They are also a wonderful chance to mingle, visit and network with others in the industry. The Induction Ceremony includes video biographies of each Inductee, acceptance speeches by the Inductees or their representatives, and a keynote address by an industry leader. Some of the past speakers have included Jukka Harmala, CEO, Stora Enso; Wayne Sanders, CEO, Kimberly-Clark Corporation; Jan Astrom, CEO, Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget; and Peter H. Vogel, Jr., President & CEO of NewPage Corporation.
• The Open Book Peace Project stopped in Wisconsin at the Paper Discovery Center April 5th May 29th, 2005. The Open Book Peace Project (OBPP) uses art as a forum to discuss and explore peace and related social issues. Through peace discussions and hands-on activities including writing and drawing pages, bookbinding and hand papermaking, the project invites people to examine the meaning of peace in their lives and the world around them and to share their ideas through the OBPP book.
The OBPP book contains over 700 pages contributed by individuals from Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and points beyond. All pages are of handmade paper, made from 100% cotton clothing. The book is growing at a rate of 2 pages per day. Learn more about the project at http://www.openbookpeaceproject.com.
During Paper Jam, the PDC begain its own ongoing story. See here for the current version of
Paper Jam's Continuous Story, which will be continued next year at the 2006 Paper Jam event.
•Paper Jam - June 4, 2005 is an annual book and paper festival that opened for the first time May 29th, 2005. A day-long event about books, origami, storytelling, scrap booking, poetry and more... See our archived Paper Jam page for photos, comments, and a link to the Paper Jam's Continuous Story.
• International Museum Day - April 18, 2005
The PDC celebrated International Museum Day with this year’s theme of “Museums Bridging Cultures.” Special activities related to the visit of the Open Book Peace Project to Appleton.
• Paper Discovery Duathlon - May 29, 2005
The Paper Discovery Center is the event site of the Paper Discovery Duathlon. A 4-mile run18-mile bike4-mile run event started the Wisconsin 5 Star Series. For more details, see Midwest Sports Events website.
