Learn about our mission and history
The Asheville Museum of Science is Western North Carolina’s home for experiential science learning, discovery, and exploration. AMOS strives to spark the imagination and foster lifelong curiosity.
The Asheville Museum of Science is a growing local science museum with interactive, hands-on exhibits for science lovers of all ages!
Igniting Curiosity, Fostering Exploration
We are dedicated to inspiring a love for science through interactive exhibits, engaging programs, and hands-on learning experiences. Join us in discovering the wonders of the natural world and the excitement of scientific inquiry. Whether you're exploring the stars , excavating fossils, or experimenting in our STEAM Lab, AMOS is your gateway to curiosity and discovery. Let your imagination soar as you embark on an unforgettable journey of exploration with us!
The doors to the Asheville Museum of Science opened on November 11th, 2016, but the story of AMOS begins with one man’s extensive mineral collection. From personal mineral collection to full scale science museum, the journey began almost a century ago.
AMOS is the legacy of engineer and bank president Burnham Standish Colburn, who retired in the 1920s to Biltmore Forest near Asheville. Colburn moved to the area to be close to Western North Carolina’s rich mineral fields and the diverse specimens they held. In 1931, Burnham S. Colburn and his brother, William B. Colburn, helped found the Southern Appalachian Mineral Society (aka S.A.M.S.). After Burnham S. Colburn died in 1959, the Colburn family shared many of Colburn’s specimens with S.A.M.S. so they could be displayed to the public. S.A.M.S. members added items from their own collections and, in July 1960, they opened the Burnham S. Colburn Memorial Museum on Coxe Avenue in Asheville.
“I wanted something to do to keep me out of mischief and it occurred to me that the collecting of minerals would be just the right hobby to take up.”
-Burnham Standish Colburn, 1953
Hover or tap on each picture to learn more.
After Burnham S. Colburn died in 1959, the Colburn family shared many of Colburn’s specimens with S.A.M.S. so they could be displayed to the public. S.A.M.S. members added items from their own collections and, in July 1960, they opened the Burnham S. Colburn Memorial Museum on Coxe Avenue in Asheville.
In 1972, the museum relocated to the lower level of the Asheville Civic Center.
The museum’s collections continued to grow, and in 1982, the museum became an independent nonprofit and changed its name to the Colburn Gem and Mineral Museum.
In July 1992, the museum moved to the Pack Place Education, Arts and Science Center in downtown Asheville.
The museum changed its name for a third time to the Colburn Earth Science Museum in 2002.
In late 2016, after another move, it opened its doors as the Asheville Museum of Science to reflect its broadening mission. The exhibits in AMOS explore the connections between astronomy, geology, weather, climate, ecology, and paleontology to form the beautiful landscape we call home.
• Jon Neumann – President
• Wendell Morris – Vice President
• Jesse Swords – Secretary
• Bryan Wall – Treasurer
• Mike Tanner – Past President
• Karen Nortridge
• Bryant Korzeniewski
• Beth Frith
• Rich Lee
• Sydney Broadhead
Board Advisors:
• Weldom “Kent” Williamson
• Matt Maultsby
We are looking for interns, and full- and part-time employment candidates to join our creative team. Click the button below to learn more.
job opportunities
Thank you for your interest in supporting AMOS with your time! During these universally challenging times support from volunteers and interns is critical.
Support us
We are open to all sorts of skills and interests, even if you don’t see something listed you are passionate about please reach out and we will work with you! Email [email protected] to learn more.
For volunteer inquiries, questions or to inquire about additional opportunities in Education / Non-Profit please email: [email protected]
Already a volunteer? Click here to access our AMOS Team Hours Log to track your time supporting our museum!
