Hopeful Museums Seeking Ideas

Two museums may be added to the list of Northwest Arkansas attractions – one for children and another a science center.
Jim Demaree is organizing an effort to meet the needs of area children and families with the possibility of a children’s museum.
“Surprisingly, we’ve had a very large amount of support,” Demaree said. “We did do some random school and pre-school surveys. And it was overwhelming to see the number of people willing to volunteer time, supplies and money.”
The next step, he said, is to conduct a business and focus groups survey for interest.
So far, the organization has 15 committees, consisting of about 40 people, not including the board of directors.
More information can be found at www.nwachildrensmuseum.org.
The Northwest Arkansas Museum Foundation has been working to fill the void left by the closure of the University of Arkansas Museum announced June 16, 2003.
The project is still in its conceptual stages but has completed community research with guidance from White Oak Associates of Massachusetts.
Brent Robinson, executive director, said the area presents many opportunities for exhibits, such as research at UA, nanotechnology and forestry.
“For it to be successful and sustainable it has to be relevant to the people,” said John Lewis, foundation president.
Lewis would like to provide an institution to inspire people, especially children, in math and science.
More information can be found at www.nwamuseum.org.