No hands-off signs at this museum

The museum's attendance is rising, and so is the need for additional revenue.
By MARY ELLEN PELLEGRINI
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- In August, the Children's Museum of the Valley will celebrate two years as a member of the local cultural and educational landscape.
Since its opening in 2004, CMV has been welcoming area families to a relaxed, comfortable setting where children and adults are encouraged to explore, imagine and play.
"There is a great need for hands-on informal learning environments," said Elizabeth Nohra, CMV executive director. Citing numerous studies that link museum visitation with an interest in lifelong learning, Nohra said, "Children's museums can engage any child no matter what their learning style."
CMV's exhibits and varied programs have drawn significant numbers of visitors, induced growing pains and sparked the generosity of a private donor.
"CMV is a place where kids can come and never have to worry about breaking or touching something. They're encouraged to touch, and that's how students learn best," said Judge Theresa Dellick, CMV board chairwoman.
Bob Wagmiller, board treasurer, said CMV's average attendance of 1,200 to 1,300 people each month validates the museum's mission and warrants community support.
"We know there are many museums that do not have that attendance," he said.
Growing pains
Nohra said the successful attendance also reflects the museum's commitment to early learning and the efforts of its dedicated board.
At the same time, Nohra said CMV is experiencing growing pains typical of children's museums in their early years.
"We're bursting programmatically. Our attendance is going up. We have all these groups that want to partner and develop exhibits and programs in the museum. We're now being asked to develop outreach programs in the schools, and so, you need to be able to match that financially," she said.
A donor pledged $50,000 to help meet those needs contingent upon CMV's raising a matching amount. Since March 8, $30,000 has been donated toward that goal. The board hopes to secure the remaining funds by Oct. 8.
Nohra said she is grateful for the donor's gift and the assistance of WFMJ, sponsor of the WFMJ weather studio, CMV's anchor exhibit.
Currently, Nohra is the only full-time employee. Her staff consists of five part-time employees.
With limited personnel and a small budget, the museum can't afford a major marketing campaign. The museum's operating revenue comes from donations, admissions, birthday party rentals and memberships.
Along with increased funding, CMV needs qualified volunteers and the continued presence of families, schools and community groups as visitors to the museum.
The institution also hopes to secure a permanent home by the time its current lease expires in three years.
Challenges
Other challenges for CMV are increasing awareness of its presence and its educational and cultural benefits as well as distinguishing it from more formal established museums.
Wagmiller said many residents hear the word museum and think of traditional museums that display collections for public viewing. Stressing that CMV is not about teaching history, he said, "We have to emphasize the creative play and educational experiences here."
Because CMV benefits all students and families, Judge Dellick said keeping the children's museum open and alive and growing is crucial.
"Not every child can play sports. Every child can walk in here and say 'this place was made for me. I can have fun here,'" she added. Rumors that the museum may close are untrue, she said.
Plans for CMV include new exhibits -- Healthy Town, Over the River and Through the Woods -- and an expanded cultural center. Afterschool enrichment programming also is being considered.
CMV is located at East Boardman and Walnut streets across from the main post office in downtown Youngstown. In addition to its ongoing exhibits, the museum presents weekly programs, monthly celebrations and a birthday party program.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The center is closed on Monday. CMV offers free admission on the first Wednesday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m.
For more information, call (330) 744-5914 or go to www.valleykids.org.