Evolution of the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac
The Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac began in June 2002 as a project of the Leadership Fond du Lac program, through the Association of Commerce. It was sponsored by Windhover Center for the Arts. The project was organized by a committee of volunteers. In May of 2004, the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac was incorporated as it’s own legal entity and obtained non-profit status. With the support of many dedicated volunteers and regional companies, the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac has provided safe and fun hands-on learning experiences for children ages 0-8. Many schools have participated in events sponsored by the museum. The Children’s Museum does not have a permanent home, therefore events are held at various locations in the city of Fond du Lac.
Sponsored Events by the Children’s Museum
Since its inception in June 2002, the Children's Museum of Fond du Lac has operated as a "museum without walls". In order to offer the community the quality hands on learning experiences afforded in communities with a permanent children's museum, the organization rents space at various locations throughout the community and brings traveling exhibits to Fond du Lac from other museums. These traveling exhibits have been enjoyed by thousands of children who have visited with thier families, caretakes and school groups. Following is a brief description of our past museum events:
„« June 2002 – This 2 day event was held at Windhover Center for the Arts and enjoyed by approximately 1,000 people.
„« February 2003 –This 3 day event was held at Windhover Center for the Arts and enjoyed by over 1,500 people. The theme for this event was “On A Roll”, based on a Harley Davidson exhibit rented from the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in Milwaukee. Hundreds of excited children visited with organized fieldtrips. Funding was received by Oakmark International.
„« June 2003 – This display was at Lakeside Park during Walleye Weekend festivities. It featured “Playport” boats which were purchased using funding from Mercury Marine.
„« November 2003 – This 4 day event was held at Windhover Center and enjoyed by over 1,500 people, including hundreds of children who participated through fieldtrips. The theme for this event was “Just Build It”. The event featured a “Construction Zone” provided by CD Smith Construction and an “Infant and Toddler” corner, sponsored by Wachovia Securities. Several other companies also assisted with making this event possible.
„« April 2005 – The “Imagine” event was held at the Forest Mall in Fond du Lac over a 3 week period. Over 1000 students attended from schools in Fond du Lac, Dodge and Calumet counties. Many children also attended this event with their families and caregivers. Total attendance was over 2,200 persons. Children enjoyed exhibits in the Construction Zone, Imagination Theatre, and Little Lakeside. They were also able to do some hands on learning with the Spanish Language Trees and Human Body Exhibit. Major event sponsors were Service League of Fond du Lac, Alliant Energy, KFIZ and Agnesian Healthcare.
„« April 2006 - The “Go Figure” event was held at Windhover Center for the Arts from April 1, 2006 through April 30, 2006. Nearly 3,000 visitors attended including 1,500 visitors that participated in fieldtrips with their schools, daycares, scouting groups and ARC organizations. The fieldtrip groups came from Fond du Lac, Dodge, Calumet and Winnebago Counties. Children from out of Wisconsin visited with grandparents looking for quality entertainment over the Spring Break period. Children enjoyed the “Go Figure” exhibit which was rented from the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Other featured areas included the Pizza Parlor, Spanish Language Trees, Body Basics Area, Constuction Zone, Imagination Station / Stage area and Little Lakeside (specially designed for infants and toddlers). Major event sponsors included: Agnesian HealthCare, JF Ahern, Hierl Insurance, The Oakmark International Funds, and Service League of Fond du Lac. |
