Tellus Science Museum kicked off a $1.2 million Vision for the Future campaign during an exclusive luncheon hosted by WSB-TV chief meteorologist Glenn Burns recently.

Tellus Director Jose Santamaria announced the 3M Foundation has issued a $100,000 matching challenge where they will match every new donation, dollar for dollar, until the challenge is met.

With nearly $400,000 already raised, this will position Tellus at the halfway point of the campaign at $600,000. Santamaria cautioned, however, Tellus only has until November 30 of this year to raise the matching funds.

The goal of the Vision for the Future campaign is to enhance the museum experience by bringing in special traveling exhibits, upgrading the planetarium projector and adding more hands-on exhibits to the permanent exhibit galleries.

“Our plan is to convert three spaces in the museum for special exhibits and bring traveling exhibitions to the Weinman Mineral Gallery, the Collins Family My Big Backyard, and Science in Motion Gallery. Imagine what we can bring from the Smithsonian and other great museums,” said Santamaria.

The planetarium, one of the museum’s most popular areas, is another focus area of the campaign. With an aging projector, plans call for upgrading the projector to keep it on the cutting edge of today’s technology.

The proposed new projector will bring crisper, brighter images and enhance the planetarium experience.

Vision for the Future also seeks to add more hands-on activities to the museum, part of the museum’s vision to find more ways to engage visitors of all ages.

“These projects come from suggestions that members and visitors have made over the years,” said Santamaria.

“Tellus is approaching one million visitors since opening, and we have enjoyed tremendous support from the community. I’m confident that everyone who believes in Tellus will consider supporting this campaign to help secure a bright future for the museum.”

The museum will honor key supporters of the campaign with recognition on the Vision for the Future donor wall. Naming opportunities are available.