Main Street America is proud to announce the seven communities selected to receive $20,000 Implementation Grants through the Science Discovery on Main Street grant program. These communities previously received Discovery Grants in Spring 2025 to research, explore, and plan activities around unique science assets. These include special local geographical formations, trails, and vistas to unique natural phenomena such as rare local flowers and flora, and unique or ideal conditions for scientific activities like dark sky star gazing and solar observation.

The Implementation Grants will allow the communities to bring their ideas to life through new partnerships and public programming that creatively engage residents in the science behind these unique points of interest in their area. These creative events and projects aim to inspire curiosity, pride, and connection to local science.

In addition to funding, each community will receive one-on-one support and participate in cohort learning and connection opportunities. 

The Science Discovery on Main Street Implementation Grant recipients are:

Hillsboro Main Street | City of Hillsboro, Texas

Upon discovery of the rare Photinus dimissus firefly in Hillsboro, the Main Street Program is introducing Glow Hillsboro — a series of creative, science-inspired experiences that bring light and meaning to downtown. Anchored by a lighted firefly mural and educational lamp post banners, Glow Hillsboro turns the Main Street district into a living classroom and art gallery.

The initiative includes a family-friendly firefly viewing event, a downtown StoryWalk featuring a children’s book on firefly conservation, and a Photinus dimissus scavenger hunt through local businesses. Starlight Bar Night, originally an astronomy-themed science engagement pub crawl, will expand this year to feature firefly-inspired activities, glowing cocktails, and dark-sky programming that connect nightlife with nature. Together, these experiences highlight the connection between healthy land, clean water, and thriving ecosystems, reminding residents that while Main Street isn’t a firefly habitat, it can still shine as a platform for awareness and celebration.

Main Street Atmore Foundation | Atmore, Alabama

Main Street Atmore will integrate science into their annual Bee More Summer Festival, expanding the event to include pollinator education and hands-on learning activities. The festival will feature partnerships with local schools and regional universities, including their local agricultural extension, along with new pollinator-friendly landscaping, educational signage, and the participation of local beekeepers and honey vendors. The enhanced event will promote environmental awareness while driving additional foot traffic and economic activity downtown.

Osceola Main Street | Osceola, Arkansas 

Osceola Main Street will launch science programming designed to make learning interactive, locally inspired, and community focused. Good Vibrations, presented during the city’s annual heritage music festival Musicfest which features blues, country, and other genres, will explore the science of sound through demonstrations on frequency and vibration, hands-on activities, and talks for all ages. A companion series, Third Thursday, will bring rotating science booths with topics of interest to the downtown farmers’ market. Together, these programs will celebrate the science behind Osceola’s cultural and agricultural roots while fostering partnerships and engagement downtown.

Monroeville Main Street | Monroeville, Alabama

Based on discovering their proximity to Alabama’s largest dark sky area and strong local interest in astronomy, Monroeville Main Street will expand its community engagement through a year-long series of science, stargazing, and dark-sky preservation programming. Plans include partnering to establish a local astronomy club, launching a Constellation Trail with interactive educational displays, and hosting events during International Astronomy Month and International Dark Skies Week, including a community star party.

With the public library, Monroeville will also introduce a telescope checkout program, giving residents hands-on access to the night sky. These efforts will inspire curiosity about astronomy while encouraging environmental stewardship and appreciation for dark-sky conservation.

Columbus Main Street, Inc. | Columbus, Mississippi

Columbus Main Street will spotlight new paleontological-themed placemaking and events in the Columbus downtown area as the City is developing a unique cretaceous fossil park nearby along the banks of the Luxapalila Creek at Propst Park.

Plans include exploring the installation of dinosaur sculptures and fossil exhibits throughout the downtown district, hosting paleontology presentations, and creating a new signature fossil-and-dinosaur themed festival featuring educational activities, expert demonstrations, and family-friendly fun. The project will strengthen downtown’s identity as a destination for entertainment and fun, encourage interest in local science and increase foot traffic for local businesses.

Elizabeth City Downtown, A Revitalization Corporation | Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Elizabeth City Downtown will leverage its deep connection to the Pasquotank River and its unique local educational and community partners to create a hub for science learning and community engagement. With Implementation Grant support, the organization will create a large-scale river-themed mural featuring educational content and QR-linked science resources, activating Fowler Alley, a city-owned public space, as an outdoor classroom, as well as Mariners’ Wharf Park.

In addition, throughout the year, River Science Day events will invite residents to explore the science of the river and local astronomy activities: from ecology and water quality to astronomy and aerospace, through demonstrations, partnerships, and hands-on activities. Together, these efforts will celebrate the Pasquotank as both a natural and cultural asset while driving foot traffic and collaboration downtown.

Main Street Gainesville | Gainesville, Georgia

Main Street Gainesville will launch Science on Main Street, a yearlong series of water science programs inspired by the city’s historic and continued ties to water, from its founding around natural springs to its proximity and connection to Lake Lanier. The initiative will feature interactive activities for families and children, including stream and water discovery tables, water testing demonstrations, and floating classroom experiences.

Science programming will be added to downtown events year-round through partnerships with local environmental and educational organizations. By connecting residents to the water that shapes Gainesville’s identity, this project will promote learning, tourism, and a vibrant, family-friendly downtown.

The Science Discovery on Main Street program is funded by a grant from Simons Foundation International and administered by the Simons Foundation’s Science, Society & Culture division. Together, these efforts are helping Main Streets across the country illuminate how science is woven into the everyday fabric of local life.