American Precision Museum Celebrates New Vision and Expansion

Photo Credit: American Precision Museum

Community and manufacturing leaders from throughout Vermont and the U.S. recently gathered in Windsor, Vermont, to celebrate the launch of a new vision for the American Precision Museum (APM). Over 75 guests joined APM board and staff for a presentation of the museum’s new strategic plan and initial concepts for new interactive exhibit designs and expanded STEM+M (science, technology, engineering, mathematics + manufacturing) education and career awareness programming.

Speakers at the event included APM Board Chair Lee Morris, Co-Executive Director Steve Dalessio, longtime supporter and funder Sarah Huskey of the Farley Family Charitable Foundation and APM’s new Co-Executive Director Greg DeFrancis.

Attendees had the opportunity to tour existing exhibits that provide an overview of the illustrious history of precision manufacturing and Precision Valley, along with one of the nation's largest collections of precision machine tools. Hands-on education kits from the museum’s STEM+M Pathways program were also on display.

The event was also the first opportunity museum patrons had to meet Greg DeFrancis, who joined the APM staff as co-executive director in September. DeFrancis brings over 35 years of STEM education and museum development experience to the organization from a range of institutions, including MIT and the Montshire Museum of Science. His experience in leading complex education initiatives with multiple partners and stakeholders and his work in visitor experience design and program evaluation is a perfect complement to Co-Executive Director Dalessio’s expertise in the evolution of manufacturing technologies from the mid-19th century to the present day, as exhibited in the Museum’s galleries.

DeFrancis shared key components of APM’s new strategic plan including refreshed mission and vision statements, organizational values and strategic goals:

• Mission statement: We engage audiences in the stories of human ingenuity through the lens of manufacturing — learning from yesterday, exploring today and imagining tomorrow.
• Vision statement: All will feel inspired, capable and welcomed to participate as problem solvers and innovators to help make a positive difference in the world.

A priority of the museum’s new five-year strategy is to work with industry and workforce development partners in changing the narrative of what today’s manufacturing looks and feels like, as well as the perception of career opportunities in the industry.

To achieve this and other goals of the strategic plan, a major expansion is planned for the museum’s second floor, which will include 3,800 square feet of new exhibition, classroom and meeting spaces. The museum plans to work with industry collaborators to create new maker and STEM+M education programs directly connected to manufacturing technologies and careers. New interactive exhibits that provide hands-on experiences for visitors are also included in the plan.

While there is strong emphasis on educating youth, the space will also be used for adult programming and be available for community and corporate functions. The expansion will be partially funded by a grant from the Vermont Community Recovery and Revitalization Program. The added facilities are designed to attract new audiences and increase the public’s access to the museum.

Lee Morris, APM board chair and chairman of the Morris Group of Windsor, CT, says, “My involvement with the American Precision Museum spans many years … and while I am incredibly proud of this museum and what it has accomplished, I have never been more excited about the potential for positive impact on community, region and nation. I am hoping that those learning about APM and its new vision are inspired to help support APM to achieve its mission in the future.”

The leadership team at APM invites members of the metalworking industry to get involved and help make the new vision a reality by visiting https://americanprecision.org/getinvolved/.