Parading children promote museum
Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2006
BENTONVILLE — Children along with their parents walked in Saturday’s Benton County Fair Parade to bring attention to plans for a children’s museum in the area.
“ It’s a need for this project to provide more of an hands-on-learning for children in northwest Arkansas, ” Jim Demaree, the museum project’s organizer, said.
Demaree is impressed with the reaction he’s received so far about the museum and he believes people understand that the museum will be another learning tool for children.
According to the project’s Web site, children’s museums are fun, interactive gathering places where families can learn and play with other families. They are inclusive, non-judgmental environments where kids can be kids and lifelong learning is nurtured.
Ten-year-old Emily Desler was one of the children that walked in the parade. She’s been to a children’s museum in Nebraska and hopes that one in this area will become a reality.
“ I think its gonna be exciting, ” Emily said. “ There’s a lot of things to do like getting dressed up on stage. ”
Hanna Scoggins, 11, also is in favor of a children’s museum. She enjoys the handson activities the museums in other areas offer while teaching new things.
“ They don’t make you sit down and keep talking, ” Scoggins said. “ You are involved in the activities. ”
Emily’s mother, Nancy Desler, said it was important to be part of the parade to show support for bringing the museum here and to show the community there is a need.
Demaree said the project is still in the early planning stages, but they do have a board in place. The group is incorporated and has recently received its nonprofit designation.
Demaree hopes the museum could be completed in 2009.
“ Children’s museums emphasize hands-on-learning through interactive exhibits, ” Demaree said. “ They stimulate curiosity, inspire learning and encourage creativity in an inclusive atmosphere. Exhibits and programs offered through children’s museums also create excellent developmental opportunities for children while promoting family interaction and a renewed sense of community. ”
Ideas and locations for the facility are already being discussed. The group hopes to incorporate permanent exhibits such as an International Kids City that would feature a grocery store, theater, construction site, bank, fire house, jail, restaurant and hospital. A grown-up friendly lounge area with food service is expected. In addition, they hope to include other hands-on exhibits that focus on food, technology, the environment, health and other relevant issues. Demaree says that members of the community have been enthusiastic and encouraging when learning of the possible museum — many offering to work on the project’s development, various committees and sponsor areas and exhibits in the facility.
For more information about the project, museum sponsorships, donations and / or volunteering, contact (479 ) 696-9280 or e-mail at info @ nwachildrensmuseum. org.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
