50 years, 50 Stories: Story #6 Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum


At the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, people of all ages can discover the wonders of science, engineering, math, and technology. A digital galaxy, a full-size ambulance, and a globe-trekking expedition powered by Google Earth are among hundreds of interactive and colorful exhibits that inspire the imagination. Last year, nearly 262,000 people from around the region visited the Museum—making it one of Michigan’s premier destinations for informal science education.
 
Since 1980, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation and our donors have provided more than $170,000 in grants to help the Museum grow. It’s been a rewarding partnership. A 2005 grant funded a new strategic plan that, in Executive Director Mel Drumm’s words, “helped usher in the best eight years of the Museum’s life, boosting annual attendance and family memberships to record levels.” A 2012 grant made it possible for the Museum to launch a dynamic new website. As a digital gateway to all the Museum has to offer, the new site is expected to draw more than one million visitors over the next few years –helping to strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of our region.

One of the many ways the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
supports all that is good in our community.
 
Read more “good” stories at: aaacf.org
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