Fundraising for a children's hands-on museum in downtown Mount Clemens - a project seen by some as an educational and economic boost for all of metro Detroit - is ahead of its goals. A soon-to-be released feasibility study shows wide support from the community, including residents, business owners and community organizations.
Specific findings from the study, conducted by consultant
Informal Learning Experiences of Washington, DC, will be released on March 14 at the Anton Art Center in downtown Mount Clemens. The public is invited.
The feasibility study on the
Macomb Children's Hands-On Museum is a requirement as the museum board moves in to working with major corporate and foundation donors on a capital fundraising campaign.
Up to this point, $47,000 has been raised through the board's First Forty Campaign, which sought 40 donations of $1,000 to pay for the study. It raised $47,000 as many other steps were taken in the last several months to to move the museum closer to reality.
In addition to formalities such as a non profit corporation being formed, a 501C3 tax-exempt status being applied for and a board of directors being recruited, a location for the museum has been identified.
The board is not ready to announce the exact location, except to say it will be in downtown Mount Clemens and opening day could come in 2014. The exact location and more details will come at the March 14th announcement.
"To be competitive in the 21st Century, Macomb County requires a highly educated and skilled workforce," says Monika Rittner, board president. "Early childhood learning is essential for this development. This project addresses this issue not only for Macomb County but wider Metro Detroit area.
"The Macomb CHM Board believes that the museum will become an important cultural institution for the county while providing fun and interactive learning for kids."
Source: Monika Rittner, president of the board, Macomb Children's Hands-On Museum
Writer: Kim North Shine
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