A joyous moment at the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe in 2023. That day was over 35 years in the making. They’ve since experienced Tesla-esque tragedy in the form of a massive fire. Miraculously, the lab itself survived, and they opted to persevere. Now, it’s again time to celebrate. Join them!!!
They Have Persevered. Now, They're Getting Ready to Celebrate
The Tesla Science Center has much to celebrate! This July, they will host an expo celebrating the extraordinary scientist’s 170th birthday and the Grand Opening of the Sayan Center — the first public building to open on Wardenclyffe site! A month prior to that main event, there will be a “Science Pub” where you can raise a glass, and join in some very smart fun!
Wardenclyffe stands as Nicola Tesla’s final existing laboratory. You can read all about Tesla and the lab in this article that we were delighted to write with the careful assistance of physicist and historian Neil Baggett, and the founder of this endeavor Jane Alcorn, back in 2019. Through good times and Tesla-esque tragedies, the foundation of people who steward this extraordinary legacy have proceeded with restoring the laboratory and endeavoring to create a world class science center in Tesla’s memory.
Now, times are good again and big things are planned, as Kara Cannon, the Executive Director tells us “Once we open the Sayan Center, we will continue to expand exhibits and ways for people to experience Nikola Tesla’s Wardenclyffe. We will also start working to get the lab building reconstruction back on track.”
You can read a little bit about the Sayan Visitor Center in this TBR NewsMedia Article. To learn more about the Tesla Science Center itself, visit their website. Among current programs, they recycle scrap metal, offer space science programs for high school and undergrad students and have offered all sorts of creative, deeply educational events. We love their brick garden. They have a pretty cool gift shop, too.
A Fun Way to Wet Your Whistle: Wardenclyffe Science Pub
Wednesday, June 10th, the Tesla Science Center continues its popular Wardenclyffe Science Pub Event. The website describes the event as “another evening of brilliant conversations, nerdy laughs, and science that’ll make you see the world a little differently.
They’ll have trivia, guest speakers, and beverages provided by Blue Point Brewery. Tickets are $21, available to folks 21 years of age or older. The previous Wardenclyffe Science Pub sold out, therefore quick purchase is encouraged for all who love science, beer, trivia and a fun night out.
When: Wednesday June 19th, 6pm-9pm
Where: 225 West Main St., Patchouge, NY 11772
For More Info and to Register: Visit The TSC Website
2026 Nikola Tesla Expo: Three Milestones, One Extraordinary Day
This one’s fun for the whole family. You can find a little video here of how the Expo went last year. This year, they’re celebrating Nikola Tesla’s 170th birthday by finally opening doors on the first public building of the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe. The center is also celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by honoring the great contributions of this Serbian-American in our nation of immigrants.
There will STEAM Exhibits and demos, radio, robotics and immersive tech, food truck and live entertainment. The grand finale is drone light show befitting the man who envisioned wireless technology and dreamed of powering the world.
When: Wednesday July 11th, 5-9pm
Where: Wardenclyffe, Shoreham NY
For More Info and to Register: Visit The Tesla TSC Website.
Hope to see you there!
In Loving Memory: Neil Baggett
Note: As we researched this article, we were sad to learn of Neil Baggett’s passing last June. It was an honor and a privilege to get to tour the site with him in 2019 and to become immersed in his deep knowledge and care for Telsa and the Wardenclyffe Lab. His insight and careful, collaborative review of a story we wrote about Tesla were deeply appreciated. It was a delight to see him again at the groundbreaking in 2023 and to get to thank him for that. His passion for the project and his earnest desire to help discern what we really know about the legendary electrician without ever fully dismissing the possibility of what we cannot know was profound, as was his love and appreciation for the folks doing this with him. It was a pleasure to work with Neil. We offer our love and care to all who love him.
