Building Improvements

As with any well-used historic structure, time and wear take their toll.  The Museum’s 80-year-old building is no exception.  Seventy new energy-efficient, historically appropriate windows have been installed to provide a more uniformly comfortable environment for visitors and reduce energy consumption and expenses.

The building’s exterior brick façade has been repointed to prevent further weather damage and deterioration and to ensure many more years of service.

Other improvements are planned such as the restoration of the entry skylight and new floor and wall coverings.  These changes will help keep the Museum a vibrant destination.

Groundwork for Establishing Special Funds

Endowment Fund
As donors invest in the Play Works Campaign, they will be pleased to learn that the Museum leadership sees the Museum’s continued financial stability as an essential long-term goal.  Post-campaign strategic planning includes a goal to establish a permanent Endowment Fund with a minimum of $2 million.  Added income from endowment will help ensure the continuing excellence of Museum service.

Endowment dollars will be held in perpetuity with a percentage of earnings and growth used to support Museum programming and operations.

Eureka Fund
The Eureka Fund will also be established as part of the Museum’s long-term strategy.  This fund will be invested; but, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, funds can be used to finance special projects such as traveling exhibits, pilot programs, new publications and other significant new services.  Additionally, funds can be used to seed other innovative initiatives, helping to continue the Museum’s leadership among children’s museums community and ensuring that Museum visitors always receive relevant “best practice” experiences.