PITTSFIELD – SABIC Innovative Plastics will sponsor the grand-opening events of the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation at the Berkshire Museum as part of its long-standing mission to support science and math education in Berkshire County.

The weekend of March 29 and 30 will mark the reopening of the museum following nearly three months of renovations. The Feigenbaum Hall is a permanent, 3,000-square-foot exhibition space that will feature an ever-changing exploration of innovations and innovators that have enhanced people's lives around the world.

The focus is on innovations that originated in Berkshire County and have had worldwide influence. In keeping with the museum's approach of "colliding" art, history, and science, the exhibit explores innovations in science, technology, business, politics, culture and the arts.

SABIC will provide free access to the hall on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30. As one of the top donors to the museum's capital campaign "A Wider Window," Saudi Basic Industries Corp. will also support other opening festivities throughout the week, including an educator reception on April 2.

"We are grateful to SABIC Innovative Plastics for their continued support," said Stuart A. Chase, executive director of the Berkshire Museum. "Through their generosity, the entire community can share our excitement at the premiere of this great new addition to the Berkshire Museum at the time of our 105th anniversary. Since the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation features the Berkshire plastics industry as a local innovation catalyst, it is particularly fitting to have this local employer participating in the opening and helping us to promote public education in science and technology."

Several recent studies have illustrated the need for enhanced emphasis on science and math education. One study recently concluded that in New England, only 20 percent of students have entered the fields of science, math, rngineering and technology. The same study also suggests that the nation needs an additional 100,000 math and science teachers to adequately educate today's students.[1]

"The Berkshire Museum is a tremendous resource for our employees and their families, and plays a critical role in promoting science and math education for all of Berkshire County," said Brian Gladden, president and CEO of SABIC Innovative Plastics. "Having roots in the Berkshires that go back for more than 75 years, SABIC Innovative Plastics [formerly GE Plastics] is a pioneer in polymer chemistry and our technology, including Lexan polycarbonate resin, can be found on everything from cell phones and video game consoles to automobile windows.

"Our participation in these events is a natural fit between our business expertise and the needs of the community. We are particularly pleased to support the educator reception introducing teachers to the exhibition and the curriculum-based programs connected to science and math."

The educator reception on April 2, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., will introduce teachers and homeschool educators throughout the region to new programs related to the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation, including "Innovation Station," a program for Grades 3 through 8. It is designed to inspire students to learn about famous Berkshire innovators, and will present them with group challenges as well as the opportunity to develop individual solutions. "Innovation Station" connects with the state Frameworks for Science, Technology and Engineering. The museum will also introduce the curriculum "Use Your Noodle," which meets science/technology learning standards in engineering, as well as language arts.

Hours for the opening celebration are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 29 and noon to 5 on Sunday, March 30. An opening reception and preview for museum members will be held Friday, March 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. New members are welcome and may join online at www.berkshiremuseum.org or call 413-443-7171, Ext. 10.

The Crane Room, aquarium, dinosaurs and paleontology gallery, Berkshire Backyard, and rocks and mineral galleries also will reopen. Galleries of American art, American Indian art, and ancient civilizations are scheduled to open April 12.

The Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation is made possible by the Feigenbaum Foundation. Natives of Pittsfield whose business and work has taken them to many parts of the world, brothers Armand and Donald Feigenbaum are recognized globally as the fathers of Total Quality Management, which has revolutionized how organizations can be effectively led and constantly improved.