Here’s Some Good News About Kids’ Museum
Aaron, Aaron, Aaron! I feel your pain. I mean, covering for the editor just has to be crazy stressful. Your commentary of Aug. 20 truly conveys that.
But please don’t project your bummed-out feelings onto the kids of Lewis County. The good news is that local efforts for a children’s museum are thriving, moving forward and definitely not a problem. Here are some facts that might lift your spirits:
First, our name is actually Discover! Children’s Museum. The Hands On Children’s Museum is located in Olympia. While we both have similar goals, we are not connected in any other way.
Secondly, let me share about finances. The truth of the matter is that Discover! does indeed have financial backing. Currently, the museum has firm commitments from the Smith, Lintott and Shaw family foundations for a combined $450,000. Additionally, there is $700,000 in requests pending from other prospective grantors.
Also, two local firms have made commitments to support exhibit construction. These families, foundations and firms have been encouraging and validating our goals. Not one of them considers their investment “throwing money” at a redundant project.
Thirdly, remember all that “cool stuff” from the museum, items you said kids will hold for 20 seconds? Well, those were actually part of intentionally prepared exhibits with specific educational learning objectives and carefully aligned to Washington State Early Learning Guidelines. Kids played and learned from them for hours at a time. Please do not throw them into the pool.
I’m so glad you mentioned our “test run.” Wow! What a success! It opened after a thorough market study and far surpassed those predictions. Though originally slated for six months, the time frame was extended twice. Why? Because the community kept coming, kept encouraging us, kept saying how much this was needed.
We eventually closed our doors after 11 months, only so our time and energies could be devoted toward a permanent facility. This pilot saw over 14,000 visitors from over 72 ZIP codes. Volunteers donated thousands of hours. I call this a total vote of confidence. Not a single person suggested that we should “throw in the towel.” In fact, they indicated quite the opposite.
Amid all the desperate news of fires and floods, good things still happen to good people. The kids of Lewis County have reason to be excited. Discover! Children’s Museum is a fantastic example.
Once your editor returns, I hope you will find time to check out our website at www.discovermuseum.org. Please feel free to contact us. Members on our board of directors always enjoy sharing plans and answering questions. Being “bummed” is not part of our vocabulary.
Marilynn Chintella
member, board of directors
Discover! Children’s Museum
Editor’s note: Letter writer Marilynn Chintella in the first paragraph is referring to Aaron VanTuyl, Chronicle sports editor and columnist who filled in as editor for one week.
