Ottawa group launches mission to establish children’s museum – Shaw Local

The Ottawa Exploreum Children’s Museum is a new project seeking funding and a future location.

The mission is to create a vibrant and enriching destination for children and families that encourages creativity, cultural exploration and discovery.

The Ottawa Exploreum Children’s Museum offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with several local organizations and leaders:

• Ottawa Visitor’s Center: Led by Tourism Manager Donna Reynolds, the center is dedicated to promoting tourism and enriching Ottawa’s cultural landscape.
• Ottawa Region Chamber of Commerce: Led by Executive Director Jay McCracken, the Chamber supports local businesses and community development.
• Ottawa Special Events: Chaired by Wayne Eichelkraut, this organization promotes community engagement through various events and activities.

The project has received the support of the City of Ottawa, and Mayor Robb Hasty is supportive of this vision. Local business owner and Emploreum board member Stephanie Stacy will provide support and serve as the fund’s executor in partnership with the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation to ensure the museum project is managed effectively and sustainably.

“This project has been a personal dream that I have been working on for years,” said Reynolds. “The Ottawa Exploreum has tremendous potential to enrich our community by providing wonderful activities and events that will enrich the lives of our children. This comprehensive museum would provide our children with unique experiences they might otherwise miss, from dinosaur digs and global habitats to exciting farm-to-table activities. The Exploreum promises to be a dynamic venue and a proud addition to our Ottawa community.”

Exploreum is seeking a suitable location, ideally in downtown Ottawa. This central location will make the museum accessible to all families in the community and beyond and contribute to the revitalization of the downtown area.

By contributing to the Ottawa Exploreum Children’s Museum Financial Sponsorship Agreement Fund, the donor helps make this project a reality. The purpose of the SRCCF Fund is to bridge the gap between the museum’s initial founding and its readiness and ability to obtain a 501(c)3 certification through the IRS.

The idea is to create a place where children can learn, play and explore in an environment designed to inspire and educate, further enriching the lives of countless families in the community.

For more information, email the Ottawa Exploreum at [email protected]

To contribute, go to https://srccf.org/fund/ottawa-exploreum-childrens-museum-fiscal-sponsorship-agreement/.