Jump to content

Upper Peninsula Children's Museum: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Removing Upper_Peninsula_Children's_Museum_Ear.jpg; it has been deleted from Commons by Wdwd because: Unfree Flickr license: https://flickr.com/photos/99923398@N00/52
added information; completed history, programs & operations sections
Line 35: Line 35:
}}The '''Upper Peninsula Children's Museum (UPCM)''' is a [[Nonprofit organization|nonprofit]] [[children's museum]] in [[Marquette, Michigan]] in the United States. The interactive museum features numerous exhibits that were designed by children to combine play with art, health, science, communication, and the local [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan|Upper Peninsula]] environment.
}}The '''Upper Peninsula Children's Museum (UPCM)''' is a [[Nonprofit organization|nonprofit]] [[children's museum]] in [[Marquette, Michigan]] in the United States. The interactive museum features numerous exhibits that were designed by children to combine play with art, health, science, communication, and the local [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan|Upper Peninsula]] environment.
== History ==
== History ==
In the late 1980s, a group of [[Marquette County, Michigan|Marquette County]] citizens formed the first [[board of directors]] to plan the creation of what would become the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chinn |first=Cameron |date=2022-04-13 |title=Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum Executive Director announces retirement |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/04/13/upper-peninsula-childrens-museum-executive-director-announces-retirement/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref> The group hosted hands-on design workshops for families across the Upper Peninsula during the early 1990s, working directly with children to design each of the exhibits.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |url=https://www.uptravel.com/listing/upper-peninsula-childrens-museum/4494/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=UP Travel |language=en-us}}</ref> Named "designasaurus," the workshops led directly to the creation of the first museum's first three exhibit halls: the fantastic forest, micro-society, and over the air. A few years later in 2002, early construction was completed on what would become the human body exhibit hall. The first phase featured a crawl-through, climbable health exhibit and an intestine-themed slide.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2011 |title=Our History |url=https://upchildrensmuseum.org/history |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |language=en-US}}</ref>
In the late 1980s, a group of [[Marquette County, Michigan|Marquette County]] citizens formed the first [[board of directors]] to plan the creation of what would become the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chinn |first=Cameron |date=2022-04-13 |title=Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum Executive Director announces retirement |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/04/13/upper-peninsula-childrens-museum-executive-director-announces-retirement/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref> The group hosted hands-on design workshops for families across the Upper Peninsula during the early 1990s, working directly with children to design each of the exhibits.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |url=https://www.uptravel.com/listing/upper-peninsula-childrens-museum/4494/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=UP Travel |language=en-us}}</ref> Named "designasaurus," the workshops led directly to the creation of the first museum's first three exhibit halls: the fantastic forest, micro-society, and over the air. A few years later in 2002, early construction was completed on what would become the human body exhibit hall. The first phase featured a crawl-through, climbable health exhibit and an intestine-themed slide.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2011 |title=Our History |url=https://upchildrensmuseum.org/history |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Location ===
=== Location ===
In 1991, the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum purchased a former cold storage [[warehouse]] in downtown Marquette that continues to house the museum today. The main museum space is housed on the top floor of the warehouse in an area spanning over 15,000 sq. ft. The majority of the building's first floor generates revenue to support the museum by serving as rentable space for a variety of nonprofits, offices, and specialty shops.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-01 |title=Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum open for visitors and accepting donations |url=https://www.upmatters.com/news/local-news/north-central-up/upper-peninsula-childrens-museum-open-for-visitors-and-accepting-donations/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=WJMN - UPMatters.com |language=en-US |publication-place=Marquette, Michigan}}</ref>
In 1991, the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum purchased a former cold storage [[warehouse]] in downtown Marquette that continues to house the museum today. The main museum space is housed on the top floor of the warehouse in an area spanning over 15,000 sq. ft. The majority of the building's first floor generates revenue to support the museum by serving as rentable space for a variety of nonprofits, offices, and specialty shops.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-01 |title=Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum open for visitors and accepting donations |url=https://www.upmatters.com/news/local-news/north-central-up/upper-peninsula-childrens-museum-open-for-visitors-and-accepting-donations/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=WJMN - UPMatters.com |language=en-US |publication-place=Marquette, Michigan}}</ref>

In the decades since it's founding, the area around the UPCM has become increasingly more popular.<ref name=":1" /> In addition to several cafes and small businesses, the Marquette Regional History Center, [[Ore Dock Brewing Company|Ore Dock Brewing Co.]], Father Marquette Park, [[St. Peter Cathedral (Marquette, Michigan)|St. Peter Cathedral]] are all within walking distance of the museum. The downtown [[MarqTran]] passenger transfer station is only a block away, providing easy access to the UPCM via public transportation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marq-Tran Routes & Schedules {{!}} Marquette County Transit Authority Bus System |url=https://marq-tran.com/marq-tran-routes-schedules/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Exhibits ==
== Exhibits ==
All of the exhibits at the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum
⚫
Wonderground


⚫
All aboard!
⚫
Where's your water?
⚫
The human body


⚫
Creature kingdom
⚫
The fantastic forest


The animals in creature kingdom are sustained by fresh produce donated by local grocery stores.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Trudgeon |first=Tia |date=2022-05-26 |title=UP Children's Museum thanks Tadych's for 8 years of produce donations |work=Upper Michigan's Source |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/05/26/up-childrens-museum-thanks-tadychs-8-years-produce-donations/ |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref>
⚫
Over the air

In May 2022, the museum opened a new addition to the exhibit in collaboration with the Marquette Board of Light and Power and the [[Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum]]. Pedal Power features a light board powered by two pedal bikes, providing children with the opportunity to understand electricity via [[experiential learning]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giachino |first=Annette |date=2022-05-12 |title=UP Children’s Museum opens new exhibit |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/05/12/up-childrens-museum-opens-new-exhibit/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en}}</ref>


Micro-Society
Micro-Society


In 2022, UPCM began a fundraising campaign to update and rename the Micro-Society exhibit to Nheena's Neighborhood, in recognition of the commitment of the museum's first executive director Nheena Weyer Ittner.<ref>{{Cite news |last=DeLadurantaye |first=Stephen |date=2022-12-05 |title=UP Children's Museum launches Nheena's Neighborhood fundraiser |work=Upper Michigan's Source |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/12/05/up-childrens-museum-launches-nheenas-neighborhood-fundraiser/ |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref>
In 2022, UPCM began a fundraising campaign to update and rename the Micro-Society exhibit to Nheena's Neighborhood, in recognition of the commitment of the museum's first executive director Nheena Weyer Ittner.<ref>{{Cite news |last=DeLadurantaye |first=Stephen |date=2022-12-05 |title=UP Children's Museum launches Nheena's Neighborhood fundraiser |work=Upper Michigan's Source |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/12/05/up-childrens-museum-launches-nheenas-neighborhood-fundraiser/ |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref>

⚫
All aboard!


Mini Landmark Inn
Mini Landmark Inn


⚫
Over the air
⚫
Creature kingdom


The animals in creature kingdom are sustained by fresh produce donated by local grocery stores.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Trudgeon |first=Tia |date=2022-05-26 |title=UP Children's Museum thanks Tadych's for 8 years of produce donations |work=Upper Michigan's Source |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/05/26/up-childrens-museum-thanks-tadychs-8-years-produce-donations/ |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref>
In May 2022, the museum opened a new addition to the exhibit in collaboration with the Marquette Board of Light and Power and the [[Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum]]. Pedal Power features a light board powered by two pedal bikes, providing children with the opportunity to understand electricity via [[experiential learning]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giachino |first=Annette |date=2022-05-12 |title=UP Children’s Museum opens new exhibit |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/05/12/up-childrens-museum-opens-new-exhibit/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en}}</ref>

⚫
The human body

⚫
The fantastic forest

⚫
Where's your water?

⚫
Wonderground


== Programs ==
== Programs ==
During the school year, the UPCM offers weekday morning programing for toddlers and after school and weekend programming for [[Primary school|elementary students]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023 |title=Events |url=https://upchildrensmuseum.org/events |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> They host a themed activity night after-hours for children of all ages once a month.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Second Thursday Creative Series |url=https://upchildrensmuseum.org/second-thursday |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> The museum also hosts free classes and workshops for parents and caregivers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Joni |date=2022-10-26 |title=MARESA To Hold Guiding Good Choices Workshop |url=https://abc10up.com/2022/10/26/maresa-to-hold-guiding-good-choices-workshop/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=ABC 10/CW5 |language=en-US}}</ref> The UPCM regularly collaborates with local family-based and educational organizations including [[Northern Michigan University]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Julie |date=2017-10-26 |title=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum hosts 'Spooky Science Night' |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/Upper-Peninsula-Childrens-Museum-hosts-Spooky-Science-Night-453453323.html |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Shiras Planetarium]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://shirasplanetarium.org/history/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Shiras Planetarium |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Peter White Public Library]].<ref name=":0" />
During the school year, the UPCM offers weekday morning programing for toddlers and after school and weekend programming for [[Primary school|elementary students]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023 |title=Events |url=https://upchildrensmuseum.org/events |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> They host a themed activity night after-hours for children of all ages once a month.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Second Thursday Creative Series |url=https://upchildrensmuseum.org/second-thursday |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> The museum also hosts free classes and workshops for parents and caregivers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Joni |date=2022-10-26 |title=MARESA To Hold Guiding Good Choices Workshop |url=https://abc10up.com/2022/10/26/maresa-to-hold-guiding-good-choices-workshop/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=ABC 10/CW5 |language=en-US}}</ref> The UPCM regularly collaborates with local family-based and educational organizations including [[Northern Michigan University]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Julie |date=2017-10-26 |title=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum hosts 'Spooky Science Night' |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/Upper-Peninsula-Childrens-Museum-hosts-Spooky-Science-Night-453453323.html |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Shiras Planetarium]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://shirasplanetarium.org/history/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Shiras Planetarium |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Peter White Public Library]].<ref name=":0" />


⚫
The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum celebrated its 25th anniversary in March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=MacLean |first=Brianna |date=2022-03-22 |title=U.P. Children’s Museum celebrates 25 years |url=https://www.upmatters.com/news/positively-u-p/u-p-childrens-museum-celebrates-25-years/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=WJMN - UPMatters.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The museum hosts several annual events including a children's new year's eve [[Ball drop|ball-drop]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kendrick |first=Tristen |date=2022-12-31 |title=UP Children’s Museum starts 2023 off with a bang with its ball drop party |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2023/01/01/up-childrens-museum-starts-2023-off-with-bang-with-its-ball-drop-party/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref> local celebrity art auction,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giachino |first=Annette |date=2022-11-28 |title=UP Children’s Museum to hold Celebrity Art Auction |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/11/28/up-childrens-museum-hold-celebrity-art-auction/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref> and Culinary Journey, a major fundraising event that features the food of dozens of local vendors and restauranteurs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Megan |date=2019-01-20 |title=The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum Hosts The 18th Annual Culinary Journey |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/The-Upper-Peninsula-Childrens-Museum-Host-The-18th-Annual-Culinary-Journey-504631301.html |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
=== 8-18 Media ===

⚫
=== 8 - 18 Media ===
Designed for local students between the ages of eight eighteen, 8 - 18 Media is a youth journalism group hosted by the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. The group covers current issues, and regularly publishes their work both in the local newspaper [[The Mining Journal|''The Mining Journal'']] and broadcast on local radio stations Q107-WMQT and WNMU-PR90.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Giachino |first=Annette |date=2022-07-08 |title=Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum’s 8-18 Media looks for new youth reporters |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/07/08/upper-peninsula-childrens-museums-8-18-media-looks-new-youth-reporters/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en}}</ref> The kid reporters regularly travel for stories in addition to covering local events, and have covered every [[political convention]] since 1992. The program also provides children and teenagers with the opportunity to create, record, and share their own podcasts.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=8-18 Media: A Program For Youth |url=https://upchildrensmuseum.org/8-18 |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> In early 2022, an average of 30 students were involved in the 8 - 18 Media program.<ref name=":2" />


=== Kid Bizness ===
=== Kid Bizness ===
Line 74: Line 82:
=== Guardians of WOW ===
=== Guardians of WOW ===
The Guardians of WOW program trains older children and teenagers to [[Volunteering|volunteer]] at the UPCM. After completing the required training and orientation, kids from 8 to 18 can register in the program.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Guardians of WOW! |url=https://upchildrensmuseum.org/guardians-of-wow |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> Guardians are provided with a variety of ways to volunteer in the museum, from managing the resident animals to assisting in the development of new educational programs and exhibits. Their main responsibility is to help younger children, families, and visitors interact with the exhibits and enjoy their visit to the museum.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tudor |first=Jerry |date=2019-07-05 |title=UP Children's Museum training Guardians of WOW |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/UP-Childrens-Museum-training-Guardians-of-WOW-512282181.html |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref>
The Guardians of WOW program trains older children and teenagers to [[Volunteering|volunteer]] at the UPCM. After completing the required training and orientation, kids from 8 to 18 can register in the program.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Guardians of WOW! |url=https://upchildrensmuseum.org/guardians-of-wow |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> Guardians are provided with a variety of ways to volunteer in the museum, from managing the resident animals to assisting in the development of new educational programs and exhibits. Their main responsibility is to help younger children, families, and visitors interact with the exhibits and enjoy their visit to the museum.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tudor |first=Jerry |date=2019-07-05 |title=UP Children's Museum training Guardians of WOW |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/UP-Childrens-Museum-training-Guardians-of-WOW-512282181.html |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Events ===
⚫
The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum celebrated its 25th anniversary in March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=MacLean |first=Brianna |date=2022-03-22 |title=U.P. Children’s Museum celebrates 25 years |url=https://www.upmatters.com/news/positively-u-p/u-p-childrens-museum-celebrates-25-years/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=WJMN - UPMatters.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The museum hosts several annual events including a children's new year's eve [[Ball drop|ball-drop]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kendrick |first=Tristen |date=2022-12-31 |title=UP Children’s Museum starts 2023 off with a bang with its ball drop party |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2023/01/01/up-childrens-museum-starts-2023-off-with-bang-with-its-ball-drop-party/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref> local celebrity art auction,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giachino |first=Annette |date=2022-11-28 |title=UP Children’s Museum to hold Celebrity Art Auction |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/11/28/up-childrens-museum-hold-celebrity-art-auction/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref> and Culinary Journey, a major fundraising event that features the food of dozens of local vendors and restauranteurs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Megan |date=2019-01-20 |title=The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum Hosts The 18th Annual Culinary Journey |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/The-Upper-Peninsula-Childrens-Museum-Host-The-18th-Annual-Culinary-Journey-504631301.html |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Upper Michigan's Source |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Operations ==
== Operations ==
The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum was granted [[501(c)(3) organization|501(c)(3) status]] in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2013-05-09 |title=Upper Peninsula Childrens Museum, Inc. |url=https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/382971950 |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=ProPublica |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 2011, the UPCM served 40,000 visitors annually with a budget of approximately $400,000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eggleston |first=Sam |date=2011-10-26 |title=Evergreen Award of Marquette County honors Nheena Weyer Ittner |url=https://www.secondwavemedia.com/upword/innovationnews/evergreenaward102611.aspx |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Upword |language=en-US}}</ref> It is operated by donations and supported by funding and [[Grant (money)|grants]] from numerous organizations including the Michigan Arts and Culture Council,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chinn |first=Cameron |date=2022-08-11 |title=Jo-Kay Corral brings family fun with animals to UP Children's Museum |work=Upper Michigan's Source |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/08/11/jo-kay-corral-brings-family-fun-with-animals-up-childrens-museum/ |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref> the [[National Endowment for the Arts]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parikh |first=Jane C. |date=2017-02-05 |title=Vigilance, not panic: Cultural arts nonprofits brace for possible elimination of NEA under Trump |url=https://mibiz.com/sections/nonprofits/vigilance,-not-panic-cultural-arts-nonprofits-brace-for-possible-elimination-of-nea-under-trump |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=MiBiz |language=en-US}}</ref> Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowers |first=Lisa |date=2021-10-25 |title=Marquette organizations benefit from state art awards |url=https://abc10up.com/2021/10/25/marquette-organizations-benefit-from-sate-art-awards/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=ABC 10/CW5 |language=en-US}}</ref> and the Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |url=https://directory.upacalliance.com/organization/upper-peninsula-childrens-museum/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=U.P. Arts & Culture Alliance |language=en-US}}</ref>
The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum was granted [[501(c)(3) organization|501(c)(3) status]] in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2013-05-09 |title=Upper Peninsula Childrens Museum, Inc. |url=https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/382971950 |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=ProPublica |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 2011, the UPCM served 40,000 visitors annually with a budget of approximately $400,000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eggleston |first=Sam |date=2011-10-26 |title=Evergreen Award of Marquette County honors Nheena Weyer Ittner |url=https://www.secondwavemedia.com/upword/innovationnews/evergreenaward102611.aspx |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Upword |language=en-US}}</ref> It is operated by donations and supported by funding and [[Grant (money)|grants]] from numerous organizations including the Michigan Arts and Culture Council,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chinn |first=Cameron |date=2022-08-11 |title=Jo-Kay Corral brings family fun with animals to UP Children's Museum |work=Upper Michigan's Source |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/08/11/jo-kay-corral-brings-family-fun-with-animals-up-childrens-museum/ |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref> the [[National Endowment for the Arts]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parikh |first=Jane C. |date=2017-02-05 |title=Vigilance, not panic: Cultural arts nonprofits brace for possible elimination of NEA under Trump |url=https://mibiz.com/sections/nonprofits/vigilance,-not-panic-cultural-arts-nonprofits-brace-for-possible-elimination-of-nea-under-trump |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=MiBiz |language=en-US}}</ref> Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowers |first=Lisa |date=2021-10-25 |title=Marquette organizations benefit from state art awards |url=https://abc10up.com/2021/10/25/marquette-organizations-benefit-from-sate-art-awards/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=ABC 10/CW5 |language=en-US}}</ref> and the Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |url=https://directory.upacalliance.com/organization/upper-peninsula-childrens-museum/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=U.P. Arts & Culture Alliance |language=en-US}}</ref>


The Upper Peninsula Children Museum's board of directors consists of 12 members led by a president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Board Members & Trustees |url=https://upchildrensmuseum.org/board-members-%26-trustees |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum}}</ref> In 2022, the museum's first [[executive director]] and one of its founding board members, Nheena Weyer Ittner, retired. Former Marquette [[City commissioner|city comissioner]] Jessica Hanley was hired as her replacement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rife |first=Mitchell |date=2022-10-17 |title=The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum's new path |url=https://wzmq19.com/news/303296/the-upper-peninsula-childrens-museums-new-path/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=WZMQ News |language=en-US}}</ref>
The Upper Peninsula Children Museum's board of directors consists of 12 members led by a president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Board Members & Trustees |url=https://upchildrensmuseum.org/board-members-%26-trustees |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Upper Peninsula Children's Museum}}</ref> In 2022, the museum's first [[executive director]] and founding board member, Nheena Weyer Ittner, retired. Former Marquette [[City commissioner|city comissioner]] Jessica Hanley was hired as her replacement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rife |first=Mitchell |date=2022-10-17 |title=The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum's new path |url=https://wzmq19.com/news/303296/the-upper-peninsula-childrens-museums-new-path/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=WZMQ News |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Accessibility ===
=== Accessibility ===
A spaceship themed elevator provides access to the children's museum on the second story of the building. The building features numerous wheelchair-accessible ramps, and nearly all exhibits can be fully experienced by those who utilize mobility aids. Once a month, an afternoon specifically for those with disabilities and/or unique [[Sensory processing disorder|sensory needs]] is offered at the museum. No music is played during these events and all lights are dimmed in an effort to make the environment more accessible.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-15 |title=Third Thursday Low Sensory Afternoon |url=https://www.mqtcompass.com/event/third-thursday-low-sensory-afternoon/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Marquette Compass |language=en-US}}</ref>
A spaceship themed elevator provides access to the children's museum on the second story of the building. The museum features numerous wheelchair-accessible ramps, and nearly all exhibits can be fully experienced by those who utilize mobility aids. Once a month, an afternoon specifically for those with disabilities and/or unique [[Sensory processing disorder|sensory needs]] is offered at the museum. No music is played during these events and all lights are dimmed in an effort to make the environment more accessible.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-15 |title=Third Thursday Low Sensory Afternoon |url=https://www.mqtcompass.com/event/third-thursday-low-sensory-afternoon/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Marquette Compass |language=en-US}}</ref>


The museum encourages donations towards the sponsorship of memberships for [[Low income|low-income]] families, who can receive memberships at no cost through the playmaker program.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-29 |title=Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum Auction |url=https://www.upmatters.com/news/local-news/childrens-museum-art-auction/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=WJMN - UPMatters.com |language=en-US}}</ref> During the [[2018–2019 United States federal government shutdown|2018-2019 United States federal government shut-down]], the UPCM offered free admission and birthday party celebrations to the children of [[Furlough|furloughed]] government workers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walton |first=Nicole |date=2019-01-23 |title=U.P. Children's Museum opens its doors to federal workers |url=https://www.wnmufm.org/events/2019-01-23/u-p-childrens-museum-opens-its-doors-to-federal-workers |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Public Radio 90 WNMU-FM |language=en-US}}</ref>
The museum encourages donations towards the sponsorship of memberships for [[Low income|low-income]] families, who can receive memberships at no cost through the playmaker program.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-29 |title=Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum Auction |url=https://www.upmatters.com/news/local-news/childrens-museum-art-auction/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=WJMN - UPMatters.com |language=en-US}}</ref> During the [[2018–2019 United States federal government shutdown|2018-2019 United States federal government shut-down]], the UPCM offered free admission and birthday party celebrations to the children of [[Furlough|furloughed]] government workers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walton |first=Nicole |date=2019-01-23 |title=U.P. Children's Museum opens its doors to federal workers |url=https://www.wnmufm.org/events/2019-01-23/u-p-childrens-museum-opens-its-doors-to-federal-workers |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Public Radio 90 WNMU-FM |language=en-US}}</ref>
Line 91: Line 96:


=== Recognition ===
=== Recognition ===
In 2003, the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum was the cultural organization selected to receive the Governor's Award for Arts and Culture from former Michigan Governor [[Jennifer Granholm]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-09-03 |title=Governor Granholm Announces Winners of Arts and Culture Awards |url=https://www.michigan.gov/formergovernors/recent/granholm/press-releases/2003/09/03/granholm-announces-winners-of-arts-and-culture-awards |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=michigan.gov |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2011, then-Governor [[Rick Snyder]] awarded the museum with the Reinventing Michigan Award in recognition of its "innovative education methods."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wurfel |first=Sara |date=2011-08-16 |title=Snyder presents Reinventing Michigan award to Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |url=https://www.michigan.gov/formergovernors/recent/snyder/press-releases/2011/08/17/snyder-presents-reinventing-michigan-award-to-upper-peninsula-childrens-museum |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=michigan.gov |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2003, the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum was the cultural organization selected to receive the Governor's Award for Arts and Culture from former Michigan Governor [[Jennifer Granholm]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-09-03 |title=Governor Granholm Announces Winners of Arts and Culture Awards |url=https://www.michigan.gov/formergovernors/recent/granholm/press-releases/2003/09/03/granholm-announces-winners-of-arts-and-culture-awards |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=michigan.gov |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2011, then-Governor [[Rick Snyder]] awarded the museum with the Reinventing Michigan Award in recognition of its "innovative education methods."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wurfel |first=Sara |date=2011-08-16 |title=Snyder presents Reinventing Michigan award to Upper Peninsula Children's Museum |url=https://www.michigan.gov/formergovernors/recent/snyder/press-releases/2011/08/17/snyder-presents-reinventing-michigan-award-to-upper-peninsula-childrens-museum |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=michigan.gov |language=en-US}}</ref> The UPCM's 8-18 Media program has received the Excellence in Broadcasting award from the [[Michigan Association of Broadcasters]].<ref name=":3" />


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 01:17, 31 March 2023

Upper Peninsula Children's Museum
Map
EstablishedMarch 1997 (1997-03)
Location123 W Baraga Ave,
Marquette, Michigan, US
Coordinates46°32′26″N 87°23′40″W / 46.540519°N 87.394522°W / 46.540519; -87.394522
TypeChildren's museum
Visitors40,000 (2011)
Executive directorJessica Hanley
CuratorJim Edwards
Employees20
Nearest parkingOn site
Websiteupchildrensmuseum.org

The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum (UPCM) is a nonprofit children's museum in Marquette, Michigan in the United States. The interactive museum features numerous exhibits that were designed by children to combine play with art, health, science, communication, and the local Upper Peninsula environment.

History

In the late 1980s, a group of Marquette County citizens formed the first board of directors to plan the creation of what would become the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum.[1] The group hosted hands-on design workshops for families across the Upper Peninsula during the early 1990s, working directly with children to design each of the exhibits.[2] Named "designasaurus," the workshops led directly to the creation of the first museum's first three exhibit halls: the fantastic forest, micro-society, and over the air. A few years later in 2002, early construction was completed on what would become the human body exhibit hall. The first phase featured a crawl-through, climbable health exhibit and an intestine-themed slide.[3]

Location

In 1991, the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum purchased a former cold storage warehouse in downtown Marquette that continues to house the museum today. The main museum space is housed on the top floor of the warehouse in an area spanning over 15,000 sq. ft. The majority of the building's first floor generates revenue to support the museum by serving as rentable space for a variety of nonprofits, offices, and specialty shops.[4]

In the decades since it's founding, the area around the UPCM has become increasingly more popular.[3] In addition to several cafes and small businesses, the Marquette Regional History Center, Ore Dock Brewing Co., Father Marquette Park, St. Peter Cathedral are all within walking distance of the museum. The downtown MarqTran passenger transfer station is only a block away, providing easy access to the UPCM via public transportation.[5]

Exhibits

All of the exhibits at the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum

All aboard!

Creature kingdom

The animals in creature kingdom are sustained by fresh produce donated by local grocery stores.[6]

Micro-Society

In 2022, UPCM began a fundraising campaign to update and rename the Micro-Society exhibit to Nheena's Neighborhood, in recognition of the commitment of the museum's first executive director Nheena Weyer Ittner.[7]

Mini Landmark Inn

Over the air

In May 2022, the museum opened a new addition to the exhibit in collaboration with the Marquette Board of Light and Power and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Pedal Power features a light board powered by two pedal bikes, providing children with the opportunity to understand electricity via experiential learning.[8]

The human body

The fantastic forest

Where's your water?

Wonderground

Programs

During the school year, the UPCM offers weekday morning programing for toddlers and after school and weekend programming for elementary students.[9] They host a themed activity night after-hours for children of all ages once a month.[10] The museum also hosts free classes and workshops for parents and caregivers.[11] The UPCM regularly collaborates with local family-based and educational organizations including Northern Michigan University,[12] Shiras Planetarium,[13] and Peter White Public Library.[10]

The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum celebrated its 25th anniversary in March 2022.[14] The museum hosts several annual events including a children's new year's eve ball-drop,[15] local celebrity art auction,[16] and Culinary Journey, a major fundraising event that features the food of dozens of local vendors and restauranteurs.[17]

8 - 18 Media

Designed for local students between the ages of eight eighteen, 8 - 18 Media is a youth journalism group hosted by the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. The group covers current issues, and regularly publishes their work both in the local newspaper The Mining Journal and broadcast on local radio stations Q107-WMQT and WNMU-PR90.[18] The kid reporters regularly travel for stories in addition to covering local events, and have covered every political convention since 1992. The program also provides children and teenagers with the opportunity to create, record, and share their own podcasts.[19] In early 2022, an average of 30 students were involved in the 8 - 18 Media program.[18]

Kid Bizness

Launched in 2010 with 12 participants, the Kid Bizness program supports children age 7 to 17 who are interested in starting their own business. The program offers training and other support to young entrepreneurs and provides them with a space to market and sell their wares in a dedicated section of the museum's retail space.[20]

Guardians of WOW

The Guardians of WOW program trains older children and teenagers to volunteer at the UPCM. After completing the required training and orientation, kids from 8 to 18 can register in the program.[21] Guardians are provided with a variety of ways to volunteer in the museum, from managing the resident animals to assisting in the development of new educational programs and exhibits. Their main responsibility is to help younger children, families, and visitors interact with the exhibits and enjoy their visit to the museum.[22]

Operations

The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum was granted 501(c)(3) status in 1995.[23] As of 2011, the UPCM served 40,000 visitors annually with a budget of approximately $400,000.[24] It is operated by donations and supported by funding and grants from numerous organizations including the Michigan Arts and Culture Council,[25] the National Endowment for the Arts,[26] Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs,[27] and the Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance.[28]

The Upper Peninsula Children Museum's board of directors consists of 12 members led by a president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary.[29] In 2022, the museum's first executive director and founding board member, Nheena Weyer Ittner, retired. Former Marquette city comissioner Jessica Hanley was hired as her replacement.[30]

Accessibility

A spaceship themed elevator provides access to the children's museum on the second story of the building. The museum features numerous wheelchair-accessible ramps, and nearly all exhibits can be fully experienced by those who utilize mobility aids. Once a month, an afternoon specifically for those with disabilities and/or unique sensory needs is offered at the museum. No music is played during these events and all lights are dimmed in an effort to make the environment more accessible.[31]

The museum encourages donations towards the sponsorship of memberships for low-income families, who can receive memberships at no cost through the playmaker program.[32] During the 2018-2019 United States federal government shut-down, the UPCM offered free admission and birthday party celebrations to the children of furloughed government workers.[33]

The UPCM engages in environmentally-friendly and sustainable building operations. The majority of the furniture, carpets, toys, and other supplies used in the building have been repurposed, and all lighting features LED energy efficient lightbulbs.[34]

Recognition

In 2003, the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum was the cultural organization selected to receive the Governor's Award for Arts and Culture from former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm.[35] In 2011, then-Governor Rick Snyder awarded the museum with the Reinventing Michigan Award in recognition of its "innovative education methods."[36] The UPCM's 8-18 Media program has received the Excellence in Broadcasting award from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.[19]

References

  1. ^ Chinn, Cameron (2022-04-13). "Upper Peninsula Children's Museum Executive Director announces retirement". Upper Michigan's Source. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  2. ^ "Upper Peninsula Children's Museum". UP Travel. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  3. ^ a b "Our History". Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. 2011. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  4. ^ "Upper Peninsula Children's Museum open for visitors and accepting donations". WJMN - UPMatters.com. Marquette, Michigan. 2020-09-01. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  5. ^ "Marq-Tran Routes & Schedules | Marquette County Transit Authority Bus System". Retrieved 2023-03-31.
  6. ^ Trudgeon, Tia (2022-05-26). "UP Children's Museum thanks Tadych's for 8 years of produce donations". Upper Michigan's Source. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  7. ^ DeLadurantaye, Stephen (2022-12-05). "UP Children's Museum launches Nheena's Neighborhood fundraiser". Upper Michigan's Source. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  8. ^ Giachino, Annette (2022-05-12). "UP Children's Museum opens new exhibit". Upper Michigan's Source. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  9. ^ "Events". Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. 2023. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  10. ^ a b "Second Thursday Creative Series". Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  11. ^ Anderson, Joni (2022-10-26). "MARESA To Hold Guiding Good Choices Workshop". ABC 10/CW5. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  12. ^ Williams, Julie (2017-10-26). "Upper Peninsula Children's Museum hosts 'Spooky Science Night'". Upper Michigan's Source. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  13. ^ "Our History". Shiras Planetarium. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  14. ^ MacLean, Brianna (2022-03-22). "U.P. Children's Museum celebrates 25 years". WJMN - UPMatters.com. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  15. ^ Kendrick, Tristen (2022-12-31). "UP Children's Museum starts 2023 off with a bang with its ball drop party". Upper Michigan's Source. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  16. ^ Giachino, Annette (2022-11-28). "UP Children's Museum to hold Celebrity Art Auction". Upper Michigan's Source. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  17. ^ O'Connor, Megan (2019-01-20). "The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum Hosts The 18th Annual Culinary Journey". Upper Michigan's Source. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  18. ^ a b Giachino, Annette (2022-07-08). "Upper Peninsula Children's Museum's 8-18 Media looks for new youth reporters". Upper Michigan's Source. Retrieved 2023-03-31.
  19. ^ a b "8-18 Media: A Program For Youth". Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. Retrieved 2023-03-31.
  20. ^ Pascoe, Deb (2013-02-11). "Museum Encourages Kids to Become Young Entrepreneurs". Michigan Nightlight. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  21. ^ "Guardians of WOW!". Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  22. ^ Tudor, Jerry (2019-07-05). "UP Children's Museum training Guardians of WOW". Upper Michigan's Source. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  23. ^ "Upper Peninsula Childrens Museum, Inc". ProPublica. 2013-05-09. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  24. ^ Eggleston, Sam (2011-10-26). "Evergreen Award of Marquette County honors Nheena Weyer Ittner". Upword. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  25. ^ Chinn, Cameron (2022-08-11). "Jo-Kay Corral brings family fun with animals to UP Children's Museum". Upper Michigan's Source. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  26. ^ Parikh, Jane C. (2017-02-05). "Vigilance, not panic: Cultural arts nonprofits brace for possible elimination of NEA under Trump". MiBiz. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  27. ^ Bowers, Lisa (2021-10-25). "Marquette organizations benefit from state art awards". ABC 10/CW5. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  28. ^ "Upper Peninsula Children's Museum". U.P. Arts & Culture Alliance. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  29. ^ "Board Members & Trustees". Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. 2022. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  30. ^ Rife, Mitchell (2022-10-17). "The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum's new path". WZMQ News. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  31. ^ "Third Thursday Low Sensory Afternoon". Marquette Compass. 2022-09-15. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  32. ^ "Upper Peninsula Children's Museum Auction". WJMN - UPMatters.com. 2022-11-29. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  33. ^ Walton, Nicole (2019-01-23). "U.P. Children's Museum opens its doors to federal workers". Public Radio 90 WNMU-FM. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  34. ^ "UP Children's Museum". Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  35. ^ "Governor Granholm Announces Winners of Arts and Culture Awards". michigan.gov. 2003-09-03. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  36. ^ Wurfel, Sara (2011-08-16). "Snyder presents Reinventing Michigan award to Upper Peninsula Children's Museum". michigan.gov. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Upper_Peninsula_Children%27s_Museum&oldid=1147449261"