If you weren’t able to join us for February’s Rise & Shine Breakfast, you missed a morning that captured so much of what makes our region special—thoughtful conversation, shared curiosity, and a strong sense of local pride. Hosted at the Springfield Museums in the heart of downtown, the program reminded us that some of Springfield’s most powerful drivers of economic and community vitality aren’t always found in boardrooms or factory floors, but in the cultural institutions that bring people together and inspire new ways of thinking. 

We heard from three outstanding leaders who offered an inside look at what’s happening right now on the Quadrangle and what’s ahead. And while a day of museum-hopping is always worth the trip, the conversation went well beyond the galleries, highlighting how the museums are shaping education, innovation, and economic impact across our region. 

Speakers included: 

• Kay Simpson, President & CEO, Springfield Museums 
• Jenny Powers, Director of the Springfield Science Museum 
• Elizabeth Kapp, Curator of History, Springfield Museums 

Kay Simpson spoke about the Springfield Museums as both a cultural anchor and an economic force, highlighting their impact on jobs, downtown activity, and Springfield’s visibility as a destination. She also shared how the Museums are thinking beyond the Quadrangle, investing in projects that connect creativity, community, and place. 

Jenny Powers offered a glimpse into the future of the Springfield Science Museum, focusing on how immersive, hands-on experiences are shaping STEM and STEAM learning for the next generation. She previewed a reimagined dinosaur experience opening March 13, designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and engage visitors of all ages in new ways. 

Elizabeth Kapp previewed what’s ahead at the Wood Museum of Springfield History, sharing how upcoming exhibitions will invite visitors to engage more deeply with Springfield’s role in shaping ideas, language, and innovation.  

A new exhibit, Declaration of Innovation, running from May 16 through September 27, will explore the city’s history in ways that feel timely, interactive, and personal. 

Together, they shared how the museums impact our economy, how they’re transforming STEM learning through new experiences, and how Springfield’s history is about to take center stage in a major exhibition this spring. 

The Takeaway: This Is Why Chamber Events Matter 

This Rise & Shine was a perfect example of what Chamber programming does best: it connects us to the people and institutions shaping our community, gives us a front-row seat to what’s coming next, and reminds us how much momentum is happening right here at home. 

The Springfield Museums are preserving history while actively building the future through education, tourism, downtown investment, and exhibits that will bring new visitors and new energy into Springfield throughout the year. 

So if you missed this one… we’ll say it kindly: you’ll want to be at the next Rise & Shine Breakfast. 

And in the meantime, be sure to make time to visit the Springfield Museums this spring. The reimagined dinosaur experience opens March 13, followed by the Declaration of Innovation exhibition running from May 16 through September 27. We’ll see you at OUTLOOK!

See the full photo gallery from the event on Flickr here