The Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking received the Outstanding Education Program Award at the recent Georgia Association of Museums conference for its new initiative, “Paper Science Mystery,” launched in spring 2025.

Developed by Education Curator Anna Doll, the program brings immersive, hands-on STEM learning to school audiences through a mystery-driven approach centered around paper science. The initiative includes eight fully scripted modules — four designed for 4th and 5th graders and four for 7th and 8th graders — all aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence.

In each module, students act as investigators, analyzing paper-based evidence to solve fictional crimes while building critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The program was intentionally priced to ensure accessibility for public, private, and homeschool groups, quickly establishing itself as a key component of the Museum’s educational outreach.

Museum leadership emphasized that the award reflects the program’s impact on student engagement and its mission to make science both approachable and exciting. Through storytelling, scientific inquiry, and hands-on exploration, “Paper Science Mystery” aims to inspire the next generation of learners to approach challenges with curiosity and confidence.