American Precision Museum Promotes Mike Fenzel to Director of Education

The American Precision Museum (APM) has promoted Mike Fenzel to director of education.

Since joining the museum in 2024, Fenzel has been a driving force behind the museum’s STEM+Manufacturing (STEM+M) education initiatives. Building on traditional STEM education, the museum’s STEM+M approach emphasizes the essential role of manufacturing in turning scientific discoveries and engineering ideas into real-world products. Through hands-on learning at the American Precision Museum, students gain practical experience in design, problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation while exploring career opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Fenzel played an instrumental role in redesigning the museum’s STEM+M Education Kit Program and expanding educational programming that has brought more young learners through the museum’s doors. He led the development of the second generation of the museum’s A Maker’s Journey STEM+M Education Kits, which are now being used by classrooms throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, western Massachusetts, and the south suburbs of Chicago. He also expanded educational programming at the museum, giving more young learners opportunities to engage with interactive exhibits and discover how manufacturing has shaped the past — and continues to shape the future.

Fenzel has been a driving force behind the museum’s STEM+M education initiatives.

“Mike’s passion for education, creativity, and commitment to the museum’s mission have made a lasting impact on the American Precision Museum and the communities we serve,” APM’s Executive Director Steve Dalessio said. “His leadership has strengthened our educational programs and inspired thousands of students to see themselves as tomorrow’s innovators, makers, and problem-solvers.”

Fenzel began his museum education career in Washington, D.C., in 1999 before spending more than 20 years at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont, where he developed engineering and maker education programs. He joined APM in 2024 during an exciting period of growth and innovation.

As director of education, Fenzel will lead the continued expansion of the museum’s educational initiatives, including new maker experiences in the Gene Haas Center for Manufacturing Inspiration. By growing opportunities for students, teachers, families, and lifelong learners to explore designing, making, and manufacturing, he will help position the museum as a leading destination for hands-on learning and workforce inspiration.

“I am thrilled to help expand the museum’s makerspace and STEM+M programming,” said Fenzel. “Helping students understand not only how things are designed, but also how they are made, gives them a deeper appreciation for innovation and opens doors to exciting future careers. I’m excited to build on that work through new experiences in the Gene Haas Center for Manufacturing Inspiration.”