In celebration of the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum’s 15th anniversary, museum employees are holding an ongoing fundraiser to keep educational programs running smoothly and admission prices affordable. There will also be a special party on Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the museum, 705 S. McClelland St. in Santa Maria to recognize past board members, staffers, and volunteers.
This past year, thanks to donations from the public, the museum was able to host a traveling exhibit on space and space travel. It also held its first youth summer drama camp, which was a huge hit with kids and parents; expanded free enrichment programs to include Tuesday storytelling time from preschoolers; and Nat Fast Day, a free day for people to attend the museum and celebrate the arts. And there are plenty of plans in store for 2012.
Museum staff members have set a fundraising goal of $15,000 by the end of the year. Money donated over that time period will go toward exhibit enhancements; additional summer camps, including a creative writing camp and a math/music camp; extended hours of operation; more scholarships for local schools; and the continuation of the museum’s free Family Kite Festival.
For more information about the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, or to RSVP to the party or make a donation, visit smvdiscoverymuseum.org or call 928-8414.
This article appears in Jan 5-12, 2012.