Detroit Science Center founder Dexter Ferry passed away on September 15, 2000.

Mr. Ferry loved books (one of his favorite authors was Voltaire), music ("After Bach, there can be no discussion.") and, especially, children. He believed that Detroit children ought to have the same benefits as the children in other major cities, and what was sorely lacking in the sixth largest city in the nation was a major science center. Mr. Ferry was determined to remedy that situation.

In November, 1970, Mr. Ferry opened a prototype science center in a former car dealership on East Forest Street. During the next eight years, this storefront operation would provide opportunities for inner city young people and others to engage in the unique experience of building scientific exhibits and participating in scientific demonstrations. During this time, the storefront science center served the general public and was toured by thousands of student groups from public and private schools.

Realizing that the Science Center needed more space because of its popularity, plans were initiated to build a major installation. Mr. Ferry, who spent most of his life as a banker and a philanthropist, initiated a fund drive by contributing $2.5 million from the D. M. Ferry Jr. Trustee Corporation. He was able to get additional contributions from corporations and foundations, and construction on the current Detroit Science Center commenced in January 1976.

Ever the visionary, Mr. Ferry insisted on installing an Omnimax� (now called IMAX� Dome) Theatre in the facility. It was only the second of its kind to be opened in the United States, and it became the highlight of the Detroit Science Center. The dome is a 67�-foot diameter, tilted hemisphere where large-frame 70mm IMAX� films are projected over most of its surface, providing a dramatic three-dimensional effect to the viewing experience. A 9,000 square-foot Exhibit Floor on the top level of the Science Center included an area for display of a wide variety of participatory science exhibits and science demonstrations. Additional buildings were to be added to the complex, however economic conditions prevented that from happening — until 2001.

In 1999 Dexter Ferry participated in the groundbreaking of the Science Center's major expansion and renovation. It was a very proud moment — not only for Mr. Ferry but for all the Science Center Staff, Trustees and supporters. Although he passed away before the completion of the project, his legacy — and his love for the children of Detroit — will live on for generations to come.