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About MCMGeneral Museum InformationOur History1975 marked the beginning of the Muncie Children's Museum. The need for a child-oriented learning facility in Muncie was recognized, a proposal was drawn up and presented to Kappa, Kappa, Kappa Inc., a local philanthropic sorority. The sorority then established a planning board to determine feasibility of this new endeavor. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and Sand Association of Boston, were contracted consultants for the Museum project. The Sand Association of Boston happily joined, due to their background of pioneering "the kind of learning environment which helps children understand the world in which they live." During the planning process, it was decided that all exhibits would require participation and interaction from the children. These exhibits would also be fun, raise questions, provoke interest and stimulate curiosity. This philosophy remains to this day, the backbone of the Muncie Children's Museum. Two years after the Museum was proposed, the doors opened for the first time in 1977. The Museum moved into the old Petty and Walgreen's buildings in downtown Muncie, but it was soon obvious that the size was not adequate for growth and development. In 1989, the Board of Directors conducted a needs assessment and came to the conclusion that a new facility or location was necessary in order to grow, expand exhibits and have adequate space for parking. The Board surveyed many avenues, but the need to serve the total community required the Museum to remain downtown. They knew that any other location would limit the audience. The Board then focused on the task of funding for the Museum. They also had to find a new location and a way to support ongoing operations once the Museum was moved. In 1993, a professional feasibility was done in order to address the response of the community toward the Museum. The response was positive, and a goal of $3,000,000 was set. The campaign began in late fall of 1994. Thanks to support from businesses, government and individual support from the community, the goal was met in 1996. The new Children's Museum leased 24,000 square feet from the local Horizon Convention Center and has tripled its size from the previous location. The new Museum opened to the community in June of 1996 and has successfully brought educational and fun entertainment to the children of our community. Thanks to the generous support of local area businesses, the Muncie community and surrounding central Indiana communities the Museum has been serving the educational needs of East Central Indiana communities for 30 years. In 2007, the Museum will celebrate its 30th anniversary. With the support of the community, we hope to be around for 30 more years! MCM StaffThe entire Muncie Children's Museum staff is eager to help you with any questions you may have! Executive Director Director of Operations and Administration Director of Exhibits and Education Marketing & Special Events Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Grants Administrator Guest Relations Coordinator Exhibit Maintenance Facilities Coordinator Educators Board of DirectorsSandra Kelly, President, Ball State University (retired) Jeff Howe, Old National Bank Jane Hughes, Ball State University Lynda Stoner, Mutual Federal Savings Bank |
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