In 1962, the concept of a nature and science facility was introduced to the Winston-Salem Recreation Commission by the Junior League, who also attained positive community support. The first site for the Nature Science Center was a barn with silo attached on the original Reynolda Estate property. Reynolda, built in 1917, by industrialist R.J. Reynolds and his wife, Katherine, was a “model community” designed to illustrate and encourage innovative methods of farming, animal husbandry, gardening, and horticulture. The estate and grounds are now part of Wake Forest University. With a capital gift of $26,000 from the Junior League and $16,000 from The Winston-Salem Foundation, the Nature Science Center opened its doors in December 1964. In the 4,000 square feet allocated, visitors saw a small area for display of collections, the planetarium, a classroom, live animals, and offices. Activities included workshops, astronomy classes, and films.

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