Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured is Jennifer (Tuley) Madigan.

A dream years in the making is one step closer to reality with the official announcement that Jennifer Tuley Madigan has been named the executive director of the Kinzua Area Discovery Center.

A lifelong Warren County resident and Eisenhower Jr./Sr. High School alum, Madigan’s appointment marks a new chapter in a project she has helped shepherd from day one.

“I have been active in the journey of this project from the beginning,” said Madigan. “It started as a conversation, moved to a rough concept pitch packet, and has come to life from there. I can’t imagine bringing the concept to life and not being involved.”

While the title “Dreamer in Chief” might already be taken, “by a pretty fabulous woman by the name of Dolly,” Madigan joked, Madigan said she brings a deep background in both education and community work to the role. A graduate of Slippery Rock University with a degree in elementary education, she has held numerous leadership roles, including her current position as childcare director at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center, which she began in 2020–right as the COVID-19 pandemic began altering every aspect of child care and education.

“I learned how to become a childcare director during a global pandemic. Life was changing every hour with state mandates,” she said. “Adaptivity and flexibility are strong suits.”

Her early experience co-chairing Relay for Life of Warren County introduced her to the world of nonprofit fundraising, where she began to form strong relationships throughout the community–relationships that have continued to flourish during her tenure at Jefferson DeFrees Family Center.

The journey toward the creation of the Kinzua Area Discovery Center began with a simple question: “What if?” Conversations with Melinda Johnson, Jefferson DeFrees Family Center executive director, and Kim Slocum led to the formation of a steering committee, and eventually to a Board of Directors and partnerships with exhibit designers and construction architects.

Madigan’s vision for the next one to three years is ambitious.

“We have funds to raise, ground to break, a building to erect and fit out, and more,” she explained. “We plan to share these steps with the community as they happen.”

This year will focus heavily on relationship building with donors, vendors, volunteers, potential staff, and the broader community.

“Once the doors open, it will be about keeping things fresh and fun so people want to make return visits,” she said.

Madigan is passionate about what the museum will offer local children: “Hands-on experiences inspire curiosity and promote creativity. The best learning takes place through play!”

Interactive exhibits will foster critical thinking, problem-solving, social and emotional development, literacy, and physical activity.

“We’re aiming to create an experience where families can learn and grow together,” she said. “Positive experiences can spark a lifelong love of learning.”

Inclusivity is top of mind for Madigan and the design team from JRA (Jack Rouse Associates).

“We’ve been clear that we want to be cognizant of inclusivity,” she said. She’s already begun consulting with other children’s museums for tips and strategies that work.

The Discovery Center will also be a hub for local artists, educators, and volunteers.

“We’re hopeful to partner in a variety of ways,” Madigan said. “We’ve talked about artist-in-residence programs, murals, workshops, and classes for children and adults alike.”

Potential partnerships extend far beyond the arts. Madigan hopes to work with organizations like the Audubon Society, Allegheny National Forest, DCNR, Seneca Nation, and local therapy providers to bring the best of Warren County into the museum experience.

The biggest challenge ahead? Fundraising.

“This is a large project, but children are our future,” Madigan emphasized. “We’re optimistic the community will rally behind the project. Kids pull at people’s heartstrings–hopefully this project does too.”

Grant writing, donor outreach, and community-driven events will be key.

“The sooner we can bring in dollars, the sooner we can break ground,” she said. “Together, we can do amazing things.”

Madigan encourages the community to continue showing up and offering support, whether through volunteering, spreading the word, donating time or services, or connecting the museum team with potential partners.

Born and raised in Warren County, Madigan’s connection to the area is deep and enduring. “I’m honored–and humbled–to lead this project and bring this amazing opportunity not only to Warren County but to the entire region.”

With her leadership, the Kinzua Area Discovery Center is poised to become a cornerstone of community learning, creativity, and joy. “We didn’t get this far because I was working alone. This has always been about community, and it will continue to be.”

To learn more about how to support the Kinzua Area Discovery Center or to connect with Jennifer (Tuley) Madigan, stay tuned for announcements about fundraising opportunities and upcoming community engagement events.