Pooling together individuals from Bloomsburg University, local schools, and daycare facilities, the group convened to turn their collective vision into reality. The result was the planning of the museum’s first mobile exhibit, “Optical Illusions and Puzzles,” designed to be transported to schools and centers. The collaborative spirit extended beyond the planning table, as Molly and Toby Scarpino dedicated nine months to building the room-size exhibit in their own home. This marked the inaugural step in the journey of the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, a venture that would go on to captivate and inspire generations of young minds. The Children’s Museum’s momentum continued to build in the year following its inception. Recognizing the need for a more permanent and expansive space, the decision was made to incorporate the museum. A dedicated board and officers were selected to guide its growth. During this period, the museum reached out to 60 schools, extending its reach and impact on local communities. The commitment to providing engaging educational experiences was further underscored as the team worked on developing five additional traveling exhibits. As the vision expanded, so did the ambition to create a museum fixed in one place, providing a consistent and immersive space in which children could explore and learn. In a significant development, the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum secured an agreement in 1995 with the Caldwell Consistory, which offered a generous 6,000 square feet of space. This marked a pivotal moment as the museum transitioned from mobile exhibits to a more permanent home. The realization of a fixed museum not only symbolized growth but also showcased the dedication and support of the community and its partners. The new space, open for eight weeks over the summer months, became a hub of creativity and learning, laying the groundwork for the continued success and expansion of the Museum. The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum continued its impressive journey of expansion and community impact into the early 2000s. By this time, the museum had extended its reach, servicing a remarkable 10 counties through its Outreach Programs. The growing visitation numbers reflected the increasing
Elizabeth Strauss featured in a 1996 Press Enterprise article for her efforts to keep the Museum going strong.
LEFT: Elaine’s husband Jim helps to install a tree display at the museum.
RIGHT: Working on the DaVinci exhibit.
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