There is a local group that has recently formed to see if there is interest in having a Children’s Museum here in the Poconos. It would be a destination of interest for local children ages 0-9, and is targeted to be both affordable and accessible so all children can have access to the museum.
As any new attraction it has the possibility of bringing more tourists to the area as well as providing additional jobs.
I personally think that most people would welcome the idea with open arms, myself included, as having 3 little ones we’re constantly looking for kid friendly activities.
Most people probably think museums = stuffy & boring but if you’ve ever visited the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia it smashes that stereotype. It would be amazing if it was modeled in a similar way – the museum is able to educate kids in a fun hands-on way. Something like that can provide children with hours of fun that they want to visit again and again.
Read the press release below to learn more about it, and if you’re interested in getting involved be sure to join them on Facebook or contact Mrs. Adair via phone or email listed below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Future Children’s Museum of the Poconos
5914 Mohawk Trail
Tobyhanna, PA 18466
Contact: Kieran Adair
Adair4pmsdschoolboard@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Future-Childrens-Museum-of-the-Poconos/138999086141053
Children’s Museum Coming to the Poconos.
A group has formed to explore the possibility of opening a children’s museum here in the Poconos. Kieran Adair, stay-at-home mom and Pocono Mountain school board candidate, leads the group and hosted its first meeting. “We would like to create a place for young children to play, explore and learn.” says Adair. The group created a Facebook page to exchange ideas, which now has 168 members. According to Adair, “Right now we’re trying to gather public support, conducting a feasibility study to see if the area can support the museum and looking at possible locations.”
The plans call for the non-profit museum to hold a variety of exhibits suitable for children ages 0-9 that will enable the children to explore basic concepts, engage in imaginative play, create and build through a variety of mediums. “As we go forward, affordability and accessibility will be key. We want this to be a space that can be used by all children regardless of what abilities they have or challenges they face, and we want it to be affordable to all parents and caregivers,” says group member Linda Lai Mui . Funding will come from grants and private donors, some of whom have already come forward.
Mrs. Adair believes the museum will benefit the community. In addition to offering healthy educational activities for children, and employment opportunities for residents, the museum would be one more attraction for the area. “We will complement the local tourist industry by offering an additional attraction, possibly even giving families a reason to stay in the Poconos an extra day,” says Adair. When asked if the museum would offer childcare she responded, “No, we will not be a daycare, but perhaps some area daycares may use the museum for field trips or programs. It is possible that we could form a partnership with area businesses to offer a date night or something along those lines occasionally, but in general this will be for families to enjoy together.”
The next meeting for the future Children’s Museum will be held May 8, 2011 at 7:00 pm . For more information contact Mrs. Adair at Adair4pmsdschoolboard@gmail.com , call 570-807-1270 or stop by Future Children’s Museum of the Poconos on Facebook.
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For more information or to schedule an interview with Kieran Adair please call 570-807-1270 or email adair4pmsdschoolboard@gmail.com .
I tell ya, I really love the Poconos, there’s nothing like Poconos getaway to lift up my spirits. Thanks!