YOUNGSTOWN Ryan joins board of Children's Museum

The facility depends on donations to remain open.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan has agreed to serve on the board of trustees at the Children's Museum of the Valley as the facility seeks his help to secure government funding.
Elizabeth J. Nohra, executive director, took Ryan, of Niles, D-17th, on a tour of the year-old museum Tuesday.
Nohra said the facility, located at 139 E. Boardman St., depends on individual and corporate contributions to keep the doors open. She said the museum's long-range goal is to secure other funding sources including government help. The board will formally appoint Ryan as a trustee at its next meeting.
"Competing interests" are seeking federal funds, Ryan said. "Katrina, the war ... everything is competing."
The congressman did say that "the federal government does need to focus on children at an early age."
Learning environment
Referring to the interactive displays at the museum, Ryan said, "This creates a love of learning. We need to develop a love of learning in general ... that will help us be a competitive country."
Stopping in the living science area, Nohra showed the congressman a giant hissing cockroach from Madagascar. After letting it perch on her hand, Nohra transferred it over to Ryan's hand. Nohra said this exhibit helped to address children's fears about insects but also results in an opportunity to talk about the rain forest habitat.
Nohra said she hoped Ryan's visit would help the congressman understand the importance of the museum to the area and its role in children's lives.
"It's a premiere tool for early childhood education," Nohra said. "Kids get a bachelor's degree at this museum and graduate to the Butler [Institute of American Art] and Mahoning Valley Historical Society."
She noted that the museum is partnering with Youngstown State University, the Butler, the historical society, school districts, McDonough Museum and nonprofit organizations to develop interactive displays and exhibits and children's programs.
Nohra said Ryan's support of the museum will be integral in helping the museum achieve its goals.Nohra said that the museum is leasing its space. The average length of time for leasing is about five years, she said, then a permanent space is usually acquired. That effort would involve a capital campaign, she said. Nohra is the only full-time staff member; volunteers provide assistance. Since it opened, about 13,000 children have visited the museum.