Friday, August 27, 2004
It gives youngsters the chanceto have fun while learning.
By MARGARET NERY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Although The Children's Museum of the Valley at 139 E. Boardman St. was planned as a place for children to experience some of the wonders of the world, it also wows the adults.
At least it did during the grand opening for donors and members that was held at the facility Thursday morning.
The adults were children for a day as they viewed and tested their skills at exhibits which featured art, writing, television, puzzles, math, geography and other educational projects.
Dr. David Ruffer, the founding director, and Suzie Schwebel-Epstein, president of the Junior League of Youngstown, welcomed members and guests, and expressed their appreciation to all those who helped make the museum a reality.
Among those voicing their approval of the new facility, which they see as an important part of the redevelopment of Youngstown, were Edna Pincham, CMV secretary; Reid Duhlberger, executive vice president of Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Youngstown Mayor George McKelvey. Recognized for his support of the project was Ohio State Sen. Robert F. Hagan.
Elizabeth Nohra, the executive director of the museum, said, "The museum is a fulfillment of a dream, a place where kids learn to play and do amazing things as they have fun."
A colorful Pete the Penguin stands at the doorway to the museum, which is housed in the former IRS building, opposite the main post office downtown.
The scene
The brightly lit interior was festooned with colorful balloons for the opening exercises, and the walls were decorated with child-friendly paintings created by artist Suzanne Kessler.
Interactive exhibits eliciting squeals of delight from the children included a Dr. David Ruffer Science Center, named in honor of the director; an exploration center; an international doll exhibit; and the Solomon Art Center.
The main attraction for children and adults alike was the realistic WFMJ-TV 21 studio which occupied one end of the building. There the delighted youngsters made impromptu broadcasts and learned to be instant weathermen.
In addition to the visual and hands-on exhibits available to the public, the new facility will ultimately provide a setting for birthday parties and for outreach programs for area schools.
Getting started
Once merely an idea tossed about by members of the Junior League of Youngstown, the museum gradually became a realistic project as the organizers raised the necessary funds for a feasibility study.
Once a board of trustees was formed, the league acquired the services of Dr. Ruffer who volunteered to serve as director. He laughs as he says, "I retired here and was drawn into this project which is a joy for this old scientist."
With his experience and expertise as former director of the Dayton Museum of Natural History, Ruffer was instrumental in getting the project off and running efficiently.
"The whole place was funded by donations and is a gift to the city from friends," said Dr. Ruffer.
The museum is not only a dramatic new addition to downtown Youngstown, it is a family friendly, hands-on facility where youngsters can receive a fascinating introduction to Mahoning Valley culture.
Hands-on exhibits
While it is much smaller than similar children's museums in Pittsburgh and Dayton, the museum is filled with interactive, hands-on exhibits that will encourage curious young visitors to play, learn, and develop interests and skills.
Although officially retired, Dr. Ruffer, says wistfully that "It is up to us little old kids to help the young kids find that learning is fun." And he already is considering ways to expand the facility and to make it a fun-filled, educational wonderland for children.
He anticipates that in the near future, a snack center, an outdoor educational area, and a gift shop will to be added to the museum.