TESLA SCIENCE CENTER AT WARDENCLYFFE
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
When the pandemic first began, we asked ourselves how TSCW could support those impacted in a way that fulfills our mission. Amid a worldwide crisis, how do we develop the site of Nikola Tesla’s last remaining laboratory into a transformative global science center that embraces his bold spirit of invention, provides innovative learning experiences, fosters the advancement of new technologies, and preserves his legacy in the Tesla Museum?
It seemed like a tall order. But I think we decided early on to embrace that bold spirit and push forward with purpose, perseverance, and an innovative mindset. While other museums and science centers were forced to close their doors, we opened our virtual doors wide and aggressively expanded online programming. We launched a free Virtual Science Center that provides innovative learning experiences for all ages, including online courses, videos, 3D scans, podcasts, and exhibits. We moved BOARD & STAFF forward with emergency renovations to the lab’s chimney and cupola, finalized site plans, and filed for the required permits and approvals needed to begin the next phase of our mission to build a Tesla museum and science center. We hosted online BOARD MEMBERS and onsite STEAM-focused events for all ages that were connective and educational. Mary Daum, President Michael Russo, Vice President The impact of these initiatives is detailed in the pages of this Annual Report, and Christopher Wesselborg, Secretary some of the results made us sit up and take note. For example, over 25 million Richard Gearns, Treasurer people were reached by the Tesla LEGO Challenge where covid-isolated individuals Jane Alcorn built models of Wardenclyffe from LEGO bricks and submitted them for a vote that Margaret Foster engaged 16,135 people in 94 countries. Our Tesla Unwired webcast filled a unique Eugene Genova need by providing adult learners with high-quality online education and much- David Madigan needed connection. Kids who were isolated and unable to attend school received TABLE OF CONTENTS Mitchell Maiman cutting-edge STEAM education and socialization at TSCW’s online camps (see the full Janice Scherer list on page 6).
OUR STORY STAFF MEMBERS This far-reaching impact at a time of great need was made possible by our many Mission & Vision...... 4 Marc Alessi, Executive Director supporters. The TSCW global community is now over 150,000 strong and we are deeply grateful to the donors, volunteers, members, and followers who are on this TSCW Timeline...... 4 Douglas Borge, Chief Operating Officer William Dillon, Director of Finance journey with us to build a Tesla museum and global science center that provides Debbi Scott Price, Director of Marketing our fellow humans with innovative learning experiences and new technologies. OUR IMPACT IN 2020 Elizabeth Nestler, Administrative We welcome your involvement in 2021 when we break ground for our new Visitors TSCW Capital Project Progress...... 6 Assistant Center and move to Phase II of renovations to Tesla’s lab. Educational & Enrichment Programs...... 6 Sincerely, OUR SUPPORTERS Advisors, Education Committee & Collaborators...... 10 Marc Alessi 2020 Committee Members...... 11 Executive Director 2020 Partners & Sponsors...... 11
3 OUR STORY
OUR MISSION GROWTH & GALA TSCW experiences To develop the site of Nikola Tesla’s last exponential growth remaining laboratory into a transformative in memberships, programming, and global science center that embraces his voluneers. Attendance bold spirit of invention, provides at events double or triple. In September, innovative learning experiences, WARDENCLYFFE SAVED TSCW kicks off a fosters the advancement of Crowdfund donations successful inaugural FRIENDS OF SCIENCE were used to purchase Gala that exceeds new technologies, and EAST Wardenclyffe in a fundraising goals. preserves his legacy A local group of educators landmark moment on and civic leaders formed May 2, 2013. in the Tesla a nonprofit named Friends Museum. of Science East, Inc. with a mission to preserve Wardenclyffe. They garnered support, raised OUR awareness, and began VISION fundraising efforts. FSE A world later formed Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe where people (TSCW) with a goal to HISTORIC CROWDFUND appreciate Nikola purchase the lab and In 2012 time was running renovate it into a science out: Wardenclyffe was Tesla’s contributions, TESLA & museum dedicated to for sale and slated for are inspired by his WARDENCLYFFE Tesla’s legacy. demolition. An urgent call In 1901 Tesla bought for support was posted scientific audacity, 200 acres in Shoreham, on social media by Jane BRICKS FOR NIK PROGRESS and engage in NY, and named the site Alcorn, founding Board A bronze statue of Tesla Amid the pandemic, TSCW Wardenclyffe with a goal President. Response was presented to TSCW aggressively expanded the future to build a Radio City. The was immediate and soon by then-President of virtual education and betterment of project was financed by became a movement with the Republic of Serbia, enrichment programs to JP Morgan and Tesla the support of internet Tomislav Nikolic, as a thousands worldwide. humanity. hired the firm of renowned cartoonist Matt Inman, who gift from the Serbian Critical renovations to architect Stanford White launched a crowdfund that people. The statue the chimney and cupola to build a laboratory. Tesla became a record-breaker: inspired a unique Bricks of Tesla’s lab were also built a 187-foot tower within six weeks, $1.3 for Nik fundraiser where NATIONAL HISTORIC completed and celebrated for transmitting power and million was donated by supporters donated REGISTER in a global event. Our 2nd MILESTONES TO SAVING communications wirelessly. 33,000 supporters from personalized bricks that Wardenclyffe is placed on Annual Gala honored Vint 108 countries. This was were used to build a plaza the US National Historic Cerf, “One of the Fathers TESLA’S LAST LAB Morgan withdrew financing in 1903 and the tower was enriched by a $1 million to showcase the statue. Register, hitting another of the Internet,” and Wardenclyffe is the only remaining dismantled in 1917 and COMMERCIAL USAGE donation from Elon Musk Bricks for Nik Plaza is now record for highest number exceeded goals. Visitor laboratory of one of history’s greatest sold for scrap to settle During this time, and a $850,000 grant from one of Wardenclyffe’s most of endorsements. TSCW Center exhibit plans were inventors, yet seven years ago it was in Tesla’s debts. Though Wardenclyffe was used the State of NY. These popular features where also launched a new developed, site plans were danger of being demolished. Here is the unable to raise additional commercially by a photo funds enabled TSCW to visitors explore thousands website that energized finalized, and permits submitted in preparation story of how a world of supporters joined funds to complete processing company that purchase the property and of bricks inscribed with an increase throughout Wardenclyffe, Tesla built numerous structures perform immediate work inspirational messages, 2019 in memberships, for Phase II renovations our mission to save Tesla’s last standing worked for many years to on the site until vacating needed to preserve the cryptograms, images, even event attendance, online and Visitor Center laboratory. resurrect the project. Wardenclyffe in 1987. deteriorated laboratory. marriage proposals. followers, and volunteers. groundbreaking in 2021.
1901–1920s 1930–1987 1996 2012 2013 2018 2019 2020
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | TSCW | 4 5 OUR IMPACT IN 2020
Renovations to Tesla’s lab accelerated in 2020, despite challenges due to the pandemic. We pushed forward to finalize site plans and file for permits and approval necessary to begin Phase II demolition and preservation of the lab. Innovative plans and exhibits for TSCW’s new Visitor Center were created in preparation for breaking ground in 2021. The chimney and cupola were in a critical state and Restoration crew discovered an unknown alcove in the emergency restoration began in February thanks to funding from the chimney that is being explored Musk Foundation and a grant from the Robert David Lion Gardiner by experts in architecture MUSK and archaeology. Evidence that Foundation. Renovations halted briefly during the height of covid-19, Wardenclyffe is still revealing its but as soon as it was safe, work resumed and was finished by FOUNDATION history and potential. September. We celebrated with supporters at a livestreamed event that was broadcast around the world.
The chimney is crowned by a 120-year-old wellhead designed by renowned architect Stanford White. It was restored by local blacksmith Rob Arnold and returned to its original spot by crane during a globally livestreamed event.
TSCW CAPITAL PROJECT PROGRESS
• Brick Reclamation Project • Filed Permits • Chimney & Cupola Renovations • Raised $1.25 million in Funds • Finalized Site Plans • TSCW’s 2nd Annual Global Gala
EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
YOUTH - STEAM CAMPS ADULT & FAMILY • Catapult Camp • Chimney Wellhead • Cool ‘n Crazy Cars Restoration Event • Drawbots Day • Educational Movie Nights— Virtual and Drive-In • Drone Day • Portal to Wardenclyffe— • Game Hackers & Game Masters HOPE Conference • Green Energy Camp • Sprint for STEAM Virtual 5k • Magic of Magnets GLOBAL IMPACT: • STEAM Trivia Events TESLA UNWIRED • Maker Adventure Week • Tesla Birthday Expo WEBCAST • Marble Rollercoasters • Tesla Coil Demo Day • Neon Laboratory GLOBAL IMPACT: • Tesla LEGO Challenge • Rocket Science 48,000 TESLA LEGO CHALLENGE • Tesla Unwired Webcast • Taking Flight Aeronautics Camp VIEWERS • Virtual Science Center • Teen Python Coding Camp 25 MILLION 250,000 • Virtual SpaceX Launch Party 1,100 • Tower of Power Engineering VIEWERS WEBSITE VISITS • Wardenclyffe Anniversary LIVE PARTICIPANTS • Vibration Lab Show—Virtual Events 16,135 396 • Youth Entrepreneur Camp 22 COUNTRIES VOTERS FROM ENTRANTS 48 STATES 94 COUNTRIES
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | TSCW | 6 7 OUR IMPACT IN 2020 AUGUST • Drive-In Movie — Q&A with Michael Almereyda, director of IFC Films movie TESLA JANUARY • Summer STEAM Camps — Green Energy Camp, Youth Entrepreneur Camp • Tower to the People — Educational movie night with live Q&A • Virtual Education Certification Program — TSCW partners with New York Institute • Thanks to Tesla — Global supporters donate $125k to Annual Fund Drive of Technology to offer virtual education training for teachers
FEBRUARY SEPTEMBER • STEAM Lovers Month — Educational STEAM programs • TESLA Movie Night at Tesla Inc. • Lab Renovations — Preservation work begins on chimney and cupola • Chimney Wellhead Restoration Event • STEAM Camps — Drone Day, Virtual Reality Camp, Drawbot Day OCTOBER MARCH • Game Hackers and Game Masters Youth Coding Camps • Pandemic Support — TSCW expands virtual programming • TSCW 2nd Annual Global Gala — Light the Night for Science — Honoree Vint Cerf, • Virtual Science Center — Free online education and enrichment activities: videos, “One of the Fathers of the Internet” games, podcasts, 3D scans, exhibits • Tesla Unwired — Marc Seifer, Author — “Wizard: Life & Times of Nikola Tesla” NOVEMBER • STEAM Camps — Rocket Science, Cool ‘n Creative Cars, Vibration Lab • Giving Tuesday • Black Friday and Cyber Monday APRIL • I Love TSCW Annual Drive • Tesla LEGO Challenge – Educational challenge launched • Tesla Unwired Webcast — Dr. Ryan Madigan — “Coping with COVID” DECEMBER • Tesla Unwired Webcast — Greg Leyh, Engineer — Lightning on Demand • Volunteer Outreach Program — I Love TSCW Annual Drive • STEAM Fix — Educational videos on trending STEAM topics • Tesla Unwired Webcast — Dr. Martin Hellman — “The Technological Imperative for • STEAM Hack — Experiment videos using home supplies Ethical Evolution” • STEAM Camps — Magic of Magnets, Taking Flight Aeronautics Camp, Tower of • Frequency Wine — Tesla-inspired wine fundraiser launched Power, Marble Rollercoasters, Catapults, Glow in the Dark Day
MAY • TSCW 7th Anniversary Celebration — Wardenclyffe Tribute Show • Virtual Volunteer Appreciation Night • STEAM Trivia Night • Tesla Unwired Webcast — Greg Olsen, Astronaut — “Voyage Aboard the ISS” • PBS Drive by History — Wardenclyffe episode airs • STEAM Camp — Tower Power Engineering Camp 2020 PROGRESS IN NUMBERS • SpaceX Event — Virtual program focused on Falcon 9 launch
JUNE 157,000 79,160 18,400 • Tesla LEGO Challenge — Winners announced CONSTITUENTS SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS MONTHLY AVG. • Drive-In Movie Night at Wardenclyffe — Battle of the Currents 2019 - 120,000 2019 - 65,000 WEBSITE VISITORS • Tesla Unwired Webcast — Dr. John Cohn — “The Transformative Power of Play” 2018 - 84,125 2018 - 51,600 2019 - 10,000/mo. avg. 2017 - 63,750 2017 - 50,500 • Sprint for STEAM — Virtual 5k Walk, Run, Roll for Virtual Education
289 5,890 393 JULY MEMBERS EVENT ATTENDEES VOLUNTEER SUPPORTERS • Tesla Birthday Bash — Global livestream with Tesla coil demos, ArcAttack 2019 - 220 2019 - 3,350 2019 - 310 • Drive-In Movie Night — Advance screening of IFC Films TESLA 2018 - 177 2018 - 1,300 2018 - 172 2017 - 89 • Live Q&A — TESLA Director Michael Almereyda, Ethan Hawke, Kyle MacLachlan 2017 - 800 2017 - 130 • STEAM Trivia Night • Tesla Unwired Webcast — Miles Chilson, Innovator — “You + Tech”
• Summer STEAM Camp — Maker Adventure Week, Teen Python Coding Camp 8 42 17 YEARS AT WARDENCLYFFE PROGRAMS & EVENTS BOARD & STAFF • Portal to Wardenclyffe — Hackers of Planet Earth (HOPE) Conference presentation
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | TSCW | 8 9 COLLABORATORS 2020 COMMITTEE OUR SUPPORTERS MEMBERS INNOVATORS & INFLUENCERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ARCHITECTURE, FACILITIES & GROUNDS ADVISORS CONSTRUCTION & Dan Black, Volunteer ENGINEERING (ACE) Judy Black, Volunteer GLOBAL THOUGHT LEADERS IN TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP Jane Alcorn, TSCW Board Jeff Brown, Volunteer Alex Badalamenti, CEO, Aldo Catsaros, Volunteer bld architecture Michael DiBartolomeo, Paul Cataldo, CEO, Paul President, MD Electric Cataldo Architecture Michael DiBartolomeo Jr., Bill Chaleff, CEO, Chaleff & Volunteer ADAM CONOVER NOVAK DJOKOVIC TESLA THE BAND Rogers Architects, PC Gene Genova, TSCW Board Adam Ruins Everything Tennis Champion, Musicians, Advocates Bart Gallagher, Engineer Tom LeDeoux, Volunteer Internet Influencer, Philanthropist of Nikola Tesla and EnviroScience Peter Palmieri, Volunteer STEAM Education Advocate for STEAM Wardenclyffe Eugene Genova, TSCW Board Paul Rosa, Volunteer VINT CERF DRAGANA PETER KLEIN RICHARD MOXLEY Advocate Education Kevin McAndrew, Cameron Karl Sidenius, Volunteer Engineering Christopher Wesselborg, One of the Fathers DJERMANOVIC Claire Friedlander Family Moxley Family Michael Russo, Board VP TSCW Board of the Internet Internet Strategist Foundation Foundation Janice Scherer, TSCW Board Jim Wuttke, Volunteer Co-developer of World Digital Transformation Financial Strategist and Frank Vero Jr., CEO, Wide Web and Education Expert and Social Media STEAM Advocate Aurora Contractors HISTORIC & COLLECTIONS Advocate Innovator Kevin Walsh, Jane Alcorn, TSCW Board Managing Director, VHB Neil Baggett, TSCW Board Edwin Xiao, Sr. Developer, Bryan Field, PhD Charging Infrastructure Margaret Foster, TSCW Board MATT INMAN JOSEPH SIKORSKI IFC Films and TESLA Eva Rodriguez-Greguski EXHIBIT & MUSEUM Marc Seifer, Author Internet Innovator Filmmaker Movie Actor Ethan DEVELOPMENT Joseph Sikorski, Filmmaker, Internet Influencer, Award-Winning Hawke, Director Michael Jane Alcorn, TSCW Board Fragments from Olympus Cartoon Blogger Wardenclyffe Documentary Almereyda, Actor Kyle Emily Conrad, President, Tower to the People MacLachlan Tessellate Technology & MARKETING Architectural Design James Alcorn, President, GREGORY OLSEN EUGENE SAYAN DUSAN STOJANOVIC Adam Esposito, Museum Old Town Press, Inc. Entrepreneur, Astronaut Softheon True Global Ventures Specialist Dragana Djermanovic, Supporter and STEAM Tech Innovator, Business Innovator, Margaret Foster, TSCW Board Internet Strategist Education Advocate Education Advocate Entrepreneur David Madigan, TSCW Board Tom Hespos, Founder, • MUSK FOUNDATION • New York Institute of • Robert David Lion Paul Orselli, President, The Pitch MD Technology (NYIT) Gardiner Foundation Paul Orselli Workshop David Madigan, TSCW Board EDUCATION COMMITTEE • Brookhaven National John Rago, COO, Justin Palmen, Client Lab • Nikola Lonchar • Stony Brook University Trifecta Technologies Experience Consultant John Siegel, Pres., MRISAR Michael Schab, Founder, iOS LEADERS IN EDUCATION • Center for Excellence • PSEG Long Island • Cold Spring Harbor Lab Joseph Sikorski, Filmmaker, Developer, Bluebird Brand in Wireless & Info Fragments from Olympus Joseph Sikorski, Filmmaker, Technology (CEWIT) Fragments from Olympus FINANCE Courtney Whiteside, Chris Cheeseman, CPA, Marketing Director, Vamonde Giambalvo, Stalzer & Co. Mary Daum, Board President MICROGRID 2020 PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS Richard Gearns, Board Daniel Busi, US Green Energy Treasurer Council of Long Island Gene Genova, TSCW Board Sam Chu, US Green Energy SASHA BAN, MBA, MA Edu. JOHN COHN, PhD MATT EVANS, MA Edu. RICH GEARNS, PhD Edu. CHRIS LAWRENCE, MA Michael Russo, Board VP Council of Long Island NY City Dept. of Education MIT, IBM Watson AI Lab Tech Lx Curriculum NY State Master Teacher Museum Education, Jill Scher, CPA/MST Director, Josh Halsey, Peconic Land Citywide STEM Programs Computer Science Developer TSCW Board Member Sr. Program Manager at Marcum LLP Trust Stephen Jay, Alida Pioneer Professor, Univ. of Grant for the Web Michael Russo, Board VP San Diego Janice Scherer, Board, Town of Southampton • MARY SCHWARTZ Educator, STEAM Advocate
• DEBORAH LOHMAN Science Coordinator, Educator DR. RICHARD MARSH JUDY MURRAH, MBA, BS STAN SILVERMAN, MS ROGER WAGNER Superintendent — CIO of Applied DNA Director/Professor, Makerbit and Hyperstudio Bethpage Public Schools Sciences, President of New York Institute of Creator, 1010 Technology Exec. Board — Nassau Tech to Connect Technology President Co. Council of School Superintendents
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