Passionate organizers have been part of Reuben H. Fleet Science Center for 40 years
By Dave Fidlin | SDUN Reporter
Mary Anderson remembers the momentous day as if it had just taken place.
Having gained an appreciation of astronomy from a young age, Anderson was enthusiastic about a new job as she attended classes as a freshman at San Diego State University.
On March 10, 1973, she assumed her duties as an usher at what was then known as the Fleet Space Theater and Science Center. It was opening day at a venue that would be touted for using cutting-edge technology and bringing the wonders of the solar system to the masses.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The Balboa Park-based facility, known today as the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. With sweeping technological changes and new discoveries, the venue has evolved.
But one thing has not changed: Anderson continues to share her passion at the Science Center, just as she has from day one. She wears many hats and carries a variety of titles, including one as unofficial historian.
“I used to ride my bike by the site as it was being built,” Anderson said. “I was excited that there was going to be something like this in San Diego because I was interested in astronomy all the way back to the third grade. I used to dream about working at a planetarium.”
For Anderson, the dream came true through a side gig she deems richly rewarding. Over the years, she has undertaken additional responsibilities at the center, including working on the planetarium’s console and performing special effects during shows.
Anderson, who works fulltime as a real estate appraiser, also travels across the world photographing solar eclipses with her husband, Les.
In the past four decades, the Science Center has evolved beyond its planetarium roots. The venue has been noted for showing various films through the IMAX motion picture format, via the recently renovated Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. It is the only of its kind in Southern California.
The most recent screening is “The Rocky Mountain Express,” a film chronicling the Canadian Pacific Railway. It launched in conjunction with the Fleet Science Center’s anniversary gala.
The Science Center has also branched off to serve as an exhibition and learning site. Today, the venue hosts eight galleries that feature a variety of science-related exhibits. “The Origins of Life,” the latest exhibit, makes its debut Saturday, March 16.
The person at the helm of the Science Center throughout most of its history has been Jeffrey Kirsch. This year, Kirsch is celebrating a milestone of his own, having served as executive director of the venue for 30 years.
In yet another important historical footnote for the Science Center, Kirsch will be retiring July 1, though he and wife Joy will remain in San Diego and stay involved in the venue’s continued evolution in a limited role.
“It’s been incredible,” Kirsch said of his nearly completed career with the Science Center. “We’ve really made a major contribution, I think, to the development of museum and science centers.”
Kirsch credits the Science Center’s success to the support of the San Diego community. In his three decades with the organization, he has witnessed membership skyrocket from 2,500 to 14,000 households.
In addition to the swell in active membership, Kirsch said he takes pride in the fact that the Fleet Center was the first institution to feature an IMAX projector.
“I think this has been a facility that has been very much appreciated in San Diego,” Kirsch said. “It’s very gratifying knowing there are people in this community who are dedicated to lifelong learning.”
As he hands off oversight to a staff he calls “top notch,” Kirsch said he believes the Science Center will continue to evolve alongside technological advances.
“I think the future is bright,” he said. “San Diego is a city that loves its museums.”
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
WHEN: hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: 1875 El Prado (Balboa Park)
COST: $11.75 for adults, $9.75 for children and seniors (additional fee for Giant Dome Theater shows)
INFORMATION: rhfleet.org, 619-238-1233
