By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
“The Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum will fulfill the needs of many organizations, families and individuals who are seeking an engaging, interactive learning environment designed for children to explore and discover their world,” stated Nancy Chandler, president of the CCDM board. “We have been given an opportunity to purchase an 8,400 square-foot building located in the downtown area of Caribou and the master floor plan, designed by Roto Studio of Ohio, is complete.”
Contributed photo
The future Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum shown in this 3-D master floor plan, designed by Roto Studio of Ohio, will feature hands-on exhibits that will occupy and fascinate young minds over and over again.
Chandler noted that the CCDM is seeking individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring specific exhibits, citing that this project would draw families from all over the county. The Caribou Fire Department has committed to sponsor an exhibit along with Lancaster Funeral Home and Northern Prosthetics.
In 2006 Chandler and others began organizing the dream of a children’s discovery museum and in the spring of 2007, began fund-raising activities.
Recently Chandler stated that to make this become a featured spot in Caribou, the CCDM is looking at a $1.6 million budget, which would include purchasing the building and setting up the exhibits.
“We definitely look to use local talent and in-kind donations to construct some of the exhibits ourselves instead of buying them outright,” Chandler stated. “And much of the work that would need to be completed at the building such as painting, etc. hopefully would be tasks that our board members and other volunteers would take care of. There is a lot of natural talent in Aroostook County,” Chandler added. “Beingable to complete a big part of this project ourselves is a huge benefit.”
“Having a children’s discovery museum would help retain young residents,” said Chandler, as well as provide jobs, improve the economy, revitalize the downtown area and create dynamic educational experiences that foster creativity, curiosity and lifelong love of learning for children starting at a young age and families through the joy of play.”
According to Chandler, the CCDM, which will be reminiscent of the early days of northern Maine, identifying with the area featuring forestry and agricultural exhibits, with an interactive town complete with a supermarket, bank, fire department, hospital and a town square. The Tot Spot exhibit will have brightly colored toys, games and discovery exhibits designed for toddlers. Interactive discovery and learning centers throughout the new museum will provide opportunities to explore interest in culture, history, art, math, health, and diverse science-related fields. The discovery museum will have a strong commitment to learning by discovery, placing an emphasis on imagination and role-playing.
Hands-on activities and programs will use real material from area donors’ collection whenever possible. The museum’s diverse exhibits and programs will attract large numbers of youngsters, their parents and families from the community, and will allow tourists to spend part of their vacation exploring, learning and having fun.
The Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum will seek to enrich children’s lives, broaden their cultural experience, and provide children of all ages a creative environment in which to learn about their world, past, present and future. Children will be able to interact with the museum’s exhibits and discover the world around them in a safe, fun-filled environment.
Chandler also stressed that the CCDM volunteer board of directors is enthusiastic about this project and eager to launch it in an effort to be the most inclusive and culturally competent center for all children and their families in Maine and those traveling through thearea.
CCDM board members are: Nancy Chandler, president; Jennifer Espling, vice president; Tim Poitras, treasurer; Debbie Blanchette, secretary; Doug Hunter, Cory LaPlante, Tanya Belanger, Jane Kilcollins-White, Carol McElwee, Ken Murchison, and Robert White.
The Caribou Children’s Discover Museum meets the second Thursday at the Northern Maine Development Commission, located on the West Presq ue Isle Road at 6:30 p.m.
For more information contact Chandler at 764-9241 or go to www.cariboudiscovery.org.
