A Milestone Moment: iNSPIRE Ribbon Cutting
On April 1, a defining moment unfolded at Mimms Museum of Technology and Art as community leaders, partners and supporters gathered to officially mark the opening of iNSPIRE: 50 Years of Innovation from Apple. Hosted by Roswell Inc, the ribbon cutting ceremony served as both a celebration of innovation and a reflection of the collaborative spirit that continues to shape Roswell.
The ceremony welcomed local leadership and key community stakeholders, including Roswell’s Mayor and two members of City Council. Their presence underscored the significance of this moment—not only for the museum, but for the city as a growing hub for culture, technology and forward-thinking experiences.
Steve Stroud, President and CEO of Roswell Inc, opened the program by sharing a personal story of his grandfather’s love for technology and reflecting on what watching Lonnie and Karin Mimms’ journey to open and expand the museum means to the broader community through its economic impact. “This new exhibition will drive global recognition to Roswell, bringing people into our hotels, bringing people into our restaurants, and overall, putting Roswell on the map.”
Representing Visit Roswell, the city’s destination marketing organization, Ted Basco spoke to the museum’s evolution since its opening in 2019. “We’re grateful for your partnership as an attraction within our destination, providing visitors with the chance to explore the history of technology in our world while inspiring the next generation to imagine what could be next. We’re thrilled for your team and congratulate you on an amazing addition to the museum. We’re eager to see what’s next!”
Roswell’s Mayor, Mary Robichaux, also addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of continued investment in cultural assets and the role of innovation, drawing a parallel between the exhibition’s opening message and the spirit of the community, “Innovation emerges not as a stroke of magic, but as a practiced way of seeing, searching, and daring. Apple’s—or, in my comparison, Roswell’s—history shows how vision and persistence can transform ideas into tools that change the world. Congratulations on your work in changing the world by providing a space for individuals to think creatively and become the next big innovators of our world.”
Together, these remarks painted a clear picture of what iNSPIRE represents: a bridge between past and future, and a shared commitment to creativity, education and progress.
As the ribbon was officially cut, attendees stepped into an experience that spans 50 years of technological advancement, featuring more than 2,000 artifacts across 20,000 square feet. From early prototypes to immersive installations, iNSPIRE offers a rare opportunity to explore the evolution of one of the most influential brands in modern history while sparking curiosity for what comes next.
