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Once in a Lifetime

Exploration Place, the Sedgwick County Science and Discovery Center in Wichita, is celebrating 25 years of educating and inspiring the people of Kansas.

Once in a Lifetime is a short documentary that takes viewers on a nostalgic journey to see how it all began - featuring archival footage and exclusive interviews with the visionaries who helped turn the dream into reality. The film also offers a glimpse into the future of Exploration Place and highlights the lasting impact the museum has had on the local community and across the state.

  • Nate Jones
    Director
  • Adam Smith
    Producer
  • Laura Roddy
    Producer
  • Erin Manning
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 1, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Exploration Place 25th Anniversary Celebration
    Wichita, KS
    United States
    April 1, 2025
    World Premire
  • KPTS Channel 8.1
    Wichita, KS
    United States
    April 17, 2025
  • KPTS Channel 8.2
    Wichita, KS
    United States
    April 18, 2025
Director Biography - Nate Jones

Kansas-born and raised, Nate Jones knew from a young age that storytelling was his calling - thanks to countless childhood hours spent watching classics like “Batman”, “Jurassic Park”, and Indiana Jones (no relation).

Over the years, Nate has written, directed, and edited a number of short films that have screened at festivals across the country. His passion for storytelling also shaped his professional path, starting at the Wellington Daily News (2009–2013), then moving to Wellington’s local cable access station (2013–2017), and eventually landing at Exploration Place in April 2017 as the Digital Marketing Coordinator.

Today, Nate serves as the museum’s Video Producer. Working alongside an ultra-talented team at Exploration Place, their video projects have reached audiences far and wide - from the small screens in our pockets to the largest dome theater screen in Kansas - garnering millions of views and multitudes of delighting movie goers.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

“Once in a Lifetime” was a true honor to work on. It was the biggest creative challenge I’ve faced in my career so far, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who shared their stories and experiences to help bring it to life.

Our first meeting about making this movie took place on February 14, 2024 - which feels fitting, because a lot of love went into telling this story. That love didn’t just come from our present-day team, but also from all the unnamed photographers and videographers who thought to snap a photo or press record in the days leading up to the creation of Exploration Place.

Thanks to their content, we were able to weave together a fun, nostalgic, and inspiring story that honors the spirit of a place built to spark curiosity and wonder.