The Johnson GEO CENTRE is a geological interpretation centre located on Signal Hill in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The GEO CENTRE is a not-for-profit organization, and a registered charity. The centre opened in 2002, and houses exhibit galleries related to our planet and our provincial geology, oil and gas exploration, natural resources, space exploration, and the Titanic disaster. The centre also features an educational KIDZone for ages 7 and under, period hosting of travelling exhibits, gift shop and café. The centre offers interpretation through public presentations and hands-on curriculum-based visits for school groups.
Since the Johnson GEO CENTRE opened in 2002, it has continued to expand its exhibits, its programs and its revenue. Through its Board of Directors, specific new initiatives have been proposed annually and all of these have been met. The Johnson GEO CENTRE currently receives no government funding for its ongoing operations and its new initiatives. It has had the strong support of the Johnson Family Foundation in maintaining high quality programs and exhibits. In 2007, the GEO CENTRE entered into a management agreement with Memorial University, which will ensure long term financial viability, cost savings, increased revenue, new programs, and new partnerships.
The Johnson GEO CENTRE has made great strides to provide valuable contributions to the science, engineering, and education communities. Our exhibits engage and inform visitors about Earth Science topics and concepts, our facility incorporates state-of-the-art geothermal heating technology, and our GEO CLASSES provide fun, hands-on learning experiences based on approved curriculum. Our Edukit provides educational outreach, and we are continuously searching for new ways to educate students and visitors in the geosciences.
The GEO CENTRE maintains an active website (www.geocentre.ca) used to promote programs, classes, and exhibits. We have developed several brochures that receive province-wide distribution. Teacher’s are informed of our class offerings through mail-outs and email notices. We also avail of public service announcements, radio and television advertising to increase public awareness of our facility.
The Johnson GEO CENTRE is a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Museums Association (MANL), as well as the Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) and the Canadian Museums Association (CMA). The centre partners with the Petroleum Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEG-NL) each year to increase science awareness during National Engineering and Geoscience Week. We have also established relationships with the Canadian Space Agency, and most recently with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to assist with the launch the Geologic Journey documentary series.
The Johnson GEO CENTRE has, since its inception, the strong financial backing and administrative support of the Johnson Family Foundation. The Foundation has contributed more than $100,000 annually to the GEO CENTRE and its various programs and initiatives.
The GEO CENTRE has also partnered with the private sector, most notably Exxon Mobil Canada, to develop a new Oil & Gas Gallery and to initiate and sponsor travelling exhibits from elsewhere in Canada. The GEO CENTRE has received funding from the Canadian Geological Foundation for its outdoor exhibit – “Rockscapes”. There are also annual fundraisers which are strongly supported by the local business community.
Since the Johnson GEO CENTRE opened in 2002, it has continued to expand its programs, its promotion, and its sources of revenue. It is on a strong financial footing with no significant long term debt. It has the support of the general public, school groups, the tourism sector, the city of St. John’s, the local scientific community and the academic community. It is a key attraction in the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador and is open year round. It has a core of professional staff who are very dedicated, and an excellent Board of Directors, to provide vision, guidance, and strategic direction. The recent management agreement with Memorial University will serve to enhance all of these factors.
For information about GEO CENTRE exhibits, see What’s On.
