AL SJR85

Commends the Cook Museum of Natural Science for its mission to introduce the natural world to students of all ages in North Alabama.

Designates the Cook Museum of Natural Science as the North Alabama STEM Center as a partner in education with North Alabama schools.

Museum began in 1968 when John Cook, Sr. opened his insect collection to the public and reopened as a nonprofit organization on June 7, 2019.

Museum is a 62,000 square foot facility featuring nine themed galleries, STEM classrooms, live animals including an endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle, and immersive exhibits.

In 2023, the museum served 85,626 total visitors including 16,243 students from 72 cities and 19 Alabama counties; numbers increased to 86,725 visitors with 18,764 students from 90 cities and 21 Alabama counties.