You could explore Jefferson Labs world-class research facility during the 2014 Open House: Accelerating Discovery, which was held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Numerous exhibits, demonstrations, tours and hands-on activities were available, providing a day of fun and education for the entire family.

Admission was free and so is parking. Photos and videotaping are welcome.

During your visit, you could learn about: superconducting materials, supercomputers, particle accelerators, lasers, nuclear physics research and much more. Other Hampton Roads companies and organizations also will provide demonstrations.

Be sure to check the "Things to Do" tab about all of the exciting offerings we have in store for the next Open House!

Please plan to arrive early.

Open House ends at 3 p.m., but parking will close at 2 p.m. and no admittance will be allowed after that time.

2014 Open House Brochure

There is a lot to see and do at the Jefferson Lab Open House. Some simple preparations will help you make the most of your Open House experience.

1. Learn about Jefferson Lab. The quickest way to do this is to watch the 12-minute video below.
2. Review the Open House map. Check back for a map of the site, and information about tour stops. Try to decide which Jefferson Lab facilities you most want to visit. There might not be enough time to see everything.
3. Dress comfortably. The Open House tours involve extended periods of walking, and many tour stops include stairs. Much of the event is outdoors, so check the weather on May 17 and dress appropriately. We suggest sunscreen and flat, closed-toe shoes.

2014 Open House Brochure

Featured Presentations:

CEBAF Center

A variety of exhibits and displays are in CEBAF Center.

Cryo Shows - Catch one of our ever-popular Cryo Shows every hour, beginning at 10 a.m. in the CEBAF Center auditorium. These 30-minute presentations by Steve from "Frostbite Theater" are both educational and entertaining! Seating is first come, first served, and a queue will be formed for the next Cryo Show in the lobby. The last show will begin at 2 p.m.

Computer Center - Enter Jefferson Lab’s Computer Center to see the supercomputers that Jefferson Lab scientists use to perform complex calculations and to process the data recorded in experiments with the CEBAF. See the data tape machines, where the data generated in experiments are stored. And don't forget to ask what our supercomputers have in common with your home video game console (hint: we use some of the same graphics processing units in our supercomputers!).

Jefferson Lab's Science Education Displays - The lab's Science Education department hosts schoolchildren, teachers and undergraduates in many science learning programs throughout the year. Get a taste of their dynamic programs and meet some of the teachers who will be presenting hands-on activities that feature magnets and magnetism. Don't forget to get your own "tattoo" for a job well done!

FIRST Robotics League Team 122 - See the competition robot built by local students. The students will demonstrate the robot's capabilities and show you how they built their creation. Then get your hands on the controls of an interactive robot game to see how well you can control your own robot.

U.S. Fleet Forces Command Environmental Programs - See how the Navy identifies whales, so that they can maintain a safe environment for the animals and ships. Learn about the Navy's onboard recycling program for ships to keep refuse from polluting the seas and help the kids improve their aim with the whale-tail game.

Newport News Shipbuilding (Huntington Ingalls Industries) - Pick up an iPad and see how ships are designed in 3D.

Historic Jamestowne (Preservation Virginia), "Jamestown Rediscovery Project" - Learn about the archeological dig now taking place just up the street! Come see samples of the artifacts that are being unearthed from the Jamestowne settlement and learn what these find reveal about the daily lives of the settlers.

Jefferson Lab's Radiation Detector and Imaging Group - Jefferson Lab has some of the most advanced systems on the planet for detecting subatomic particles. Come see how we're expanding the applications of these advanced technologies for medical imaging, plant research and others. Check out the 3D printer that the group is using to manufacture custom-designed pieces for their systems.

Technology Transfer - What does particle detection for nuclear physics have to do with detection of breast cancer? Find out at Jefferson Lab’s Technology Transfer display where you can talk to representatives, see a slide show featuring many of the technologies that started out as part of Jefferson Lab’s science and technology program, and even see some of the products and advances that have resulted.

Small Business (Technology Transfer booth) - Jefferson Lab is big on small business with more than $20M/year spent on goods and services for the Lab. Opportunities for your business to do business with Jefferson Lab are highlighted.

Tech Center at Oyster Point - Come and meet Jefferson Lab’s newest neighbor, the Tech Center at Oyster Point. Tech Center’s focus on innovation will generate new companies and products in the science and technology field. If you are an innovator, have a start-up, or are looking for a home for your high-tech business, you can talk to representatives and see firsthand the plans for this dynamic community in the heart of Newport News!

Technology and Engineering Development (TED) Building & Test Lab

Going Green - Near the entrance to the Test Lab/TEDF building, you'll find the Jefferson Lab Sustainability display. Learn how Jefferson Lab supports sustainable products and technologies through its purchases, buildings and activities. Then learn how you can save money and be more green with your transportation choices from the Virginia Department of Transportation TRAFFIX/Ride Share program display.

Department of Energy - Jefferson Lab is one of 17 National Labs funded by the DOE. Visit this booth to learn about the 50 greatest breakthroughs in science and technology from department programs in its35-plus-year history.Also learn how Jefferson Lab's mission meshes with DOE's overarching goals and other labs and programs.

Industrial Hygiene and Radiation Control Department - Jefferson Lab takes safety very seriously, and the good people who help keep our employees, contractors, visiting scientists and visitors safe are showing off some of their knowledge. Meet the PPE straw-person, who'll be outfitted with some typical safety gear used on the Jefferson Lab site, and bring your phone or music player and ear buds to find out the safe maximum volume for your device. Check out the devices and tools used by Jefferson Lab's Radiation Control Department to check and manage areas on the site.

Science Lectures - Test Lab Room 1227
• 10 a.m. Larry Weinstein, University Professor and Eminent Scholar, Old Dominion University - "Studying the Nucleus Like a Five-Year Old: Nuclear Physics at Jefferson Lab"
• 11 a.m. Jack McKisson, Experimental Nuclear Physics Division, Jefferson Lab - "You Already Know This Physics!"
• Noon - Keith Welch, Environmental, Safety, Health and Quality Division, “Jefferson Lab, Radiation and You"
• 1 p.m. - Jack McKisson, Experimental Nuclear Physics Division, Jefferson Lab - "You Already Know This Physics!”
• 2 p.m. - Keith Welch, Environmental, Safety, Health and Quality Division, “Jefferson Lab, Radiation and You”

Seating for the Science Lectures is limited. No standing allowed; only seated visitors. Seating is first come, first served. Please observe direction given by ushers at the door.

Superconducting Radiofrequency Technologies (R&D and Applications) - Follow the path through the Technology and Engineering Development Facility and Test Lab to learn about the incredible particle acceleration technology called superconducting radiofrequency that is used to propel electrons in Jefferson Lab’s Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility. Learn about superconductivity and the unique properties of an element called niobium, which is used to accelerate Jefferson Lab’s electron beam. Learn about the detailed preparation and assembly process for accelerating devices and test accelerating modules. Take a hand at making your own miniature cavity and ‘accelerate’ a particle, and participate in a demonstration that lets you see how particles are accelerated.

Peer into some of the cleanest rooms in all of Virginia: the work areas used to assemble these acceleration devices. Meet and talk with the scientists, engineers and technicians who are advancing this technology for research of the 21st century. Coloring sheets and stickers featuring Jefferson Lab technology and crayons may be picked up in the Test Lab.

Machine Control Center

Enter the heart of the CEBAF accelerator: the Machine Control Center. From this room, three people, a crew chief and two operators, run the accelerator for 24/7 operations. Our operators will describe how the accelerator works and will display the screens and some of the equipment they use to control the accelerator. Bring your questions about atom smashers, accelerators, superconducting radiofrequency technology, and come prepared to find about the science behind CEBAF.

Physics Display Tent

Jefferson Lab's Human Resources Booth - If you're looking for employment opportunities, here's the place to visit! Find out about the wide range of positions at Jefferson Lab and how to put your best foot forward to a potential employer. Be sure to ask about the applications process and about where you can find our listings.

Local Universities on Display - Local and regional universities with science departments will be sharing displays and exhibits under the tent. Be sure to check out the cool physics demos and research programs and ask about the undergraduate and graduate physics and related programs of study. Their students become involved in leading-edge research projects, including some right here at Jefferson Lab! You can speak with professors from:

- Christopher Newport University
- Old Dominion University
- The College of William & Mary
- Virginia Commonwealth University Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
- Hampton University

Hall D*

Take a stroll or, for visitors who need assistance, ride in a small shuttle cart to Jefferson Lab's Experimental Hall D. Visit the Hall D Counting House, from which researchers will monitor, around-the-clock, their experiment while it is running in Hall D. Go down a flight of stairs* and enter Hall D to see the superconducting solenoid magnet. The magnet is ~200 inches long and weighs ~300 tons. Check out the many types of newly installed detector systems, including the Hall D Barrel Calorimeter, Forward Calorimeter, Forward Drift Chamber, Central Drift Chamber and Time of Flight wall, all of which will be used in conjunction with the magnet.

* For those who can't navigate stairs, a golf cart will be available for entry to Hall D via the truck ramp. Ask the Hall D shuttle cart driver for assistance.

Free-Electron Laser

CEBAF Tunnel Tour

There are two tunnel tours available, in the South Linear Accelerator portion of CEBAF and in the North Linear Accelerator portion of CEBAF. Visitors may choose to visit either tour stop, as they are essentially the same.

Experimental Halls A, B and C

Hall A
In the Hall A experiment area, see Jefferson Lab's most powerful microscopes (known as the High Resolution Spectrometers) and meet with the nuclear physicists that use the Hall A equipment for probing the nucleus. Each detector system weighs 1500-short-tons. Speak to the scientists who conduct their experiments in the all and ask them about their recent results.

Hall B
See the new CLAS 12 detector system being installed and watch cosmic rays being registered in a detector system in real time. Hall B has not been available for viewing since the 1990s, so we are encouraging our guests to take advantage of this rare opportunity. To enter Hall B, visitors will need to catch a shuttle to the hall's truck ramp and be prepared to descend the truck ramp into the hall. From there, you may explore the hall's marked tour route at your leisure. On exiting the hall, visitors should be prepared to ascend stairs to the surface. Those who have difficulty with stairs may ask an attendant to use the elevator (need only, please).

Hall C
In the Hall C experiment area, see the original High Momentum Spectrometer and the new Super High Momentum Spectrometer that is under construction. Meet the nuclear physicists who conduct research in the hall, and learn about the equipment and the science that is done in this area.

Central Helium Liquefier (CHL)

Additional Services:

Food service:
Food and beverages will be available to purchase. Some vendors may only accept cash. Check back closer to the event for more details.

Getting Around:
Free shuttle buses will be provided to every tour stop, and they will continuously loop the Jefferson Lab campus and parking lots. Estimated wait times are 5 - 10 minutes.

You can walk the entire tour route; it is approximately a 2 mile loop.

For your safety:
Jefferson Lab is dedicated to safety in all our activities. Observance of a few rules and safety precautions will make the 2014 Open House more enjoyable for everyone:

Jefferson Lab hosts will be present to respond to any needs or questions.

In case of serious illness, injury or vehicle accident, our medical staff and Newport News emergency medical crews will be on site.

Proper footwear and clothing is essential. Jefferson Lab is spread over a 206-acre campus, and those taking tours will be required to use stairs and walk some distances. Low-heeled, closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Questions or concerns can be sent to: openhouse2014@jlab.org

Site Map and Tour Stops

Scan or download the Jefferson Lab Open House App (Android Only) and have event information on hand ready to go.

From Washington, D.C./Richmond:
- take I-95 south toward Richmond
- near Richmond take I-295 south to I-64 east
- take I-64 east to Newport News
- take exit 255 (towards Jefferson Avenue)
- & then use exit 255A onto Jefferson Avenue ...

From Norfolk/Virginia Beach/Hampton
- take I-64 west toward Richmond
- take exit 255A (Jefferson Avenue)...

Once on Jefferson Ave (143S)
- go to the 5th traffic light (approximately 1 mile) (This is the first light after the intersection of Jefferson and Oyster Point)
- turn left onto Hogan Drive
- follow the directions of event parking staff.

Parking lots are labeled A, B, C, D and E and 1 and 2. Please note which lot you are parked in.

Individuals under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Bags, backpacks and IDs will be checked by security officers prior to entry to the event.

Handicap and Bus Group Parking
Handicap parking will be available.

What to Bring
Bring your camera. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen and sun glasses or a rimmed hat and protective clothing (a long-sleeved shirt to keep sun off).

Not Permitted
Alcohol, firearms, weapons, pets.