In Wheeling, a place known for its strong sense of community and revitalization, one business is blending education, curiosity, and creativity in a truly unique way. The SMART Center, located at 1410 Main Street, offers far more than a traditional retail experience—they provide a hands-on gateway to science, discovery, and lifelong learning.
From Classroom Roots to Community Cornerstone
Focused on science and mathematics outreach, the SMART Center began in the early 1990s (1993–1994) as a collaboration with West Liberty State College (now West Liberty University) thanks to a connection with then president, Dr. Clyde Campbell. What started as an educational partnership quickly grew into a hub for programs, teacher workshops, and student camps. After about 15 years, the organization transitioned into an independent nonprofit (501(c)(3)), continuing its mission under its own direction.
Recognizing a gap in the region, founders Robert and Libby later expanded their vision into retail, opening the SMART Center Market in April 2010. It was the area’s first dedicated science store—something they saw as both necessary and exciting for the community.
In 2022, they purchased the historic Goodwin Drug building on Main Street, completing renovations in 2024 and reopening their combined storefront and education space in a beautifully restored location that reflects both Wheeling’s past and its future.
What SMART Really Means
“SMART” stands for Science, Mathematics, Art, Research, and Technology—a name that perfectly captures the spirit of the business. For Robert and Libby, this isn’t just an acronym; it’s a lifelong passion.
Both founders bring extensive educational backgrounds to their work. Robert holds degrees in Nuclear Engineering/Physics and Space Studies, while Libby has advanced degrees in Biological Science and Curriculum & Instruction. Together, they have decades of experience teaching science at levels ranging from middle school to college, along with more than 30 years of community outreach and professional development work.
Their expertise doesn’t just sit behind the scenes—they actively use it every day, helping customers understand, explore, and get excited about science.
A Store Like No Other
Walking into the SMART Center Market is a one-of-a-kind experience. The shop features:
- Science and educational toys
- Minerals, fossils, and fossil replicas
- Science equipment and books
- Dinosaur-themed merchandise
- Unique “new old stock” items from the building’s history as a drug warehouse
And adding a fun, nostalgic twist—there’s even a vintage-inspired ice cream parlor serving Kirke’s Ice Cream, inviting visitors to enjoy a treat while they explore. Their tagline says it all:
“Do you love dinosaurs, space, and/or ice cream?”
More Than a Store—A Learning Experience
Beyond retail, the nonprofit SMART Center offers a wide array of programs designed to ignite curiosity in learners of all ages. These include:
- Summer science camps like GEMS (Girls Enjoying Math and Science) and Fun with Physics
- School and community outreach programs
- Free weekly science activities every Saturday at 1 p.m.
- Public StarWatch events, including the monthly MoonRiver StarWatch at the Wheeling Waterfront
They also host a weekly radio segment, Radio Science News, and partner with local organizations such as Easter Seals, Crittenton Services, the Wheeling Nailers, and others.
A Place for Everyone
While some may assume the SMART Center is just for children, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Their ideal audience is anyone curious about the natural world—from young students to adults who never stopped asking “why?”
Families often return regularly for gifts and experiences, and visitors from out of town frequently make it a must-stop destination. For many, it’s not just a store—it’s part of their Wheeling tradition.
Overcoming Challenges with Perseverance
Like many small businesses, the SMART Center has faced its share of obstacles. From shifts in partnerships to the challenges of relocating and renovating a historic building, the journey hasn’t always been easy. But perseverance—and occasionally changing course—has kept them moving forward.
That determination has paid off. Their renovation efforts earned a 2024 Outstanding Adaptive Reuse Award from Friends of Wheeling, along with recognition from the City of Wheeling in 2025 for their service and dedication.
They’ve also been recognized on a larger scale, with both Robert and Libby named Distinguished Fellows by the West Virginia Science Teachers Association.
Looking Ahead
The future is bright for the SMART Center. One of their most exciting upcoming developments is the completion of a second-floor science center, which will feature interactive exhibits on topics like light, sound, motion, electricity, and fossils. This expansion will allow them to host even more school groups, programs, and hands-on experiences.
At the same time, they’re focused on growing awareness—ensuring the community knows they are open, thriving, and continuing to expand after their move from Center Market.
Rooted in Wheeling
When asked what they love most about Wheeling, Robert and Libby point to its unique balance: the amenities of a larger city with the warmth and collaboration of a small town. Local businesses support one another, and that spirit is something the SMART Center embraces wholeheartedly.
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
For anyone considering starting a small business, their advice is simple yet powerful:
- Love what you do
- Be prepared for practical challenges like taxes, insurance, and building costs
- Stay flexible and resilient
A Community Resource for Years to Come
At its core, the SMART Center is more than a business—it’s a community resource dedicated to making science accessible, engaging, and fun. Whether you’re stopping in for a fossil, attending a workshop, or enjoying ice cream under the watchful eye of Gideon the T. rex, you’re part of something special. And as they continue to grow, one thing remains certain: the SMART Center is just getting started.
