Discover! Children’s Museum
The pilot museum operated for nearly a year and proved that families in Lewis County were eager for a space where kids could learn through exploration and creativity. High attendance numbers and enthusiastic community support confirmed that a permanent children’s museum would be a valuable addition to the region.
About the Project
What started as a big dream in 2008 quickly gained momentum when local preschool teacher Kelly Vanesse and parent Renell Norquist teamed up with the Chehalis Renaissance Team. Their goal? To create a community space where children could learn through play while parents engaged in their children’s education. Through a detailed feasibility study, led by Chehalis native David Plotz, and lots of research, the idea took shape. In 2012, a pilot museum was launched to test the concept—and the response was overwhelming!
Project Benefits
- Strengthened early childhood education by providing interactive learning opportunities.
- Encouraged family engagement through hands-on exhibits.
- Validated the long-term sustainability of a permanent children’s museum.
Investment Amount
The Chehalis Foundation helped fund the feasibility studies in 2010-2011 and supported the launch of the pilot museum in 2012, demonstrating a strong commitment to bringing hands-on learning experiences to local families.
Fundraising Status
The success of the pilot museum has fueled efforts to establish a permanent facility. Fundraising is actively underway to bring this vision to life.