Children's Discovery Museum® Annual Fund

Kids, teachers and parents on CDM: 'We'll use it'

Although the Children's Discovery Museum (CDM) in Grand Rapids opened its doors to the general public about four years ago, the museum began its first curriculum-based programs in October 2000.

The broad, regional participation by all 44 school districts in the surrounding 10 county area has made the work of the board, staff, educators and volunteers both challenging and rewarding. Education director Kristin Litchfield has scheduled activities and learning centers at the museum to enhance school curriculum requirements.

Museum Board Secretary Vickie Rassmussen Wilcox said, "The attendance level is a good indicator of future audience development." During the 10 month period from October 2000 until Aug. 13, 2001, participation by 146 individual school groups resulted in

5,289 students attending session at the museum
311 teachers attending with the school groups
532 additional adults accompanying the students
6,132 total school participants

New summer activities with a curriculum-based "Wonder Water" exhibit drew 22 school groups in attendance from May 18 to Aug. 13. CDM Board President Doug Miner said, "We are very encouraged by the summer numbers, as it has traditionally been a difficult time of year to reach and develop a local and regional audience."

School participation in the summer program resulted in attendance of:
575 students
39 teachers
82 additional adults
696 total school participants during the summer months

Another 2,782 people enjoyed the Wonder Water interactive exhibit on their own exploration time.

The Children's Discovery Museum also is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday to serve walk-in guests and birthday party attendees.

A total of 10,165 people have experienced CDM interactive exhibits and programs in less than one year!

As one of only five children's museums in the United States located in a rural area, the CDM is funded in part by a grant from the Blandin Foundation. The grant includes transportation costs of students bussed to the museum. Other sponsors of the CDM and the three-year pilot education are Jon and Pamela Miner, Steve and Vickie Wilcox, Wayne Sr. and Corinne Jacobson and Jerry and Shirley Miner.

For more information, call 326-1900 or toll free 866-CDM-KIDS.

Mailing Address:

Children's Discovery Museum
PO Box 724
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Phone:

218-326-1900
Toll Free: 866-CDM-KIDS (866-236-5437)
Fax: 218-326-1934

Click here to email the Children's Discovery Museum
(office@cdmkids.org)

Children's Discovery Museum
PO Box 724
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Funded in part by The Blandin Foundation