U.P. CHILDREN'S MUSEUM -- This whimsical place that serves as a playground for kids to imagine, create, and grow, used to be a storage building decades ago.
The idea originated in 1987 by an Ishpeming art teacher who wanted a place for kids to explore. It took Nheena Weyer Ittner ten years to find the perfect spot in downtown Marquette and people in the community to help build the center.
After hard work and holding fast to her vision, in 1997 the museum opened its doors. Nheena is honored to give back to the community.
"But more wonderful is the fact that I can watch, you know, all these little kids learning and these parents enjoying their time. You know it's hard to even express in words how proud it makes me feel," said Itnner.
Every corner of the museum is designed by the ideas that children have imagined. For every exhibit, like the mining and the science and nature exhibit, kids were partnered with professionals that helped bring their ideas to life.
The goal is to have kids learn real life experiences while bonding with their parents or grandparents.
Iris Katers is on the board of directors, and as a grandmother feels that the museum has brought her closer to her grandkids.
"That I can pass all this fun learning on to my grandchildren, and it's very rewarding as a grandmother to see them grow because of the children's museum and what children's museum nurtures," said Katers.
Jim Edwards, the Education Coordinator at the museum, says it makes a difference, not only to U.P. residents, but to tourists as well.
"I've listened to lots of people who come here from all over the world, and their surprise is that our town has this. It's a lovely little museum--it's rough and ready, it represents the community. So I hope that we can still be a small place in a small town that enjoys family values," said Edwards.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC