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A Message From American Science & Surplus

Dearest Friends, Fellow Explorers, and
In 1984, I was a nervous 16-year-old walking into American Science Center on Northwest Highway in Chicago for my very first job. I’ll never forget one of my earliest tasks—cleaning the telescope showcase. Simple enough, until the top shelf gave way and two $500 scopes came crashing down. I caught one. The other landed squarely on my foot. I looked up to see my new boss staring at me in shock. I was sure I’d be fired on the spot.
 
But I wasn’t. Instead, I stayed—and grew. Over the next four decades, I learned the ins and outs of this wild, wonderful place. I worked my way up, became part of the family, and eventually took over as owner. Now, in 2025, I find myself at the helm of a business that’s been sparking curiosity and creativity for 88 years. It’s more than just a store—it’s been a home for makers, tinkerers, teachers, kids, and lifelong learners.
 
Now comes the tough part. We are turning to our community for a little help. We’ve launched a GoFundMe to support American Science & Surplus through one of the toughest times we’ve ever faced. Rising costs, online competition, outdated systems, and heavy shipping fees have taken a real toll. Despite every effort—tightening expenses, chasing new opportunities, doing everything we can—we’ve reached a point where we can’t make it alone. 
 
Your support will help us stay afloat and begin the changes we need to survive: restocking inventory, relocating our warehouse, fixing critical software issues, updating our website and keeping as much of our incredible team as possible.
 
We know it is tough out there but we ask if you are in a position to help we would be deeply grateful for your support. Every donation—large or small—will help write the next chapter of a story that’s been 88 years in the making.
 
Thank you for being part of our journey.
 
Sincerely,
Pat
 
P.S. We’d love to hear your memories or stories about American Science & Surplus. Feel free to share them with us at share@sciplus.com—they mean more than you know. 
22nd May 2025 The American Science & Surplus Team

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