Mission:

Busy Brains Children's Museum encourages the joy of learning and discovery in all children, with interactive exhibits and enlightening programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities.

History:

Busy Brains Children’s Museum is a non-profit corporation founded in November, 2003 by Kathy Goers and Alison Price. The organization became incorporated in the State of Illinois in April, 2004, and earned tax exempt 501(c) 3 status in December of 2004.

Membership

Busy Brains is a proud member of the Association of Children’s Museums and the Illinois Association of Museums.

Accomplishments to Date

• Created a series of small traveling exhibits
• Served over 15,000 families with exhibits
• Created web site (busybrains.org)
• Formed four standing committees
• Contracted with Bill Greaves and Jay Paulus for permanent exhibit plan
• Completed Phase 3 of Exhibit Master Plan

Fundraising Campaigns

Busy Brains is about to begin its Constructing Curiosity Campaign, a $4 million capital campaign to fund building renovation, start up costs, as well as support the first three years of museum operation. Lake County corporations, businesses, and families will all be asked to contribute to the Constructing Curiosity Campaign.

Busy Brains Children’s Museum also conducts small fundraising events, including a tile drive, gear drive, bulb sales and 50/50 raffle. In 2010 we will host our first evening fundraising event.

For more information on any of these fundraising campaigns, visit our website at busybrains.org.

Current tasks include:

• Finalize site agreement.
• Finalize renovation agreement with Youth Build.
• Recruit volunteers to lead capital campaign sub-commitees
• Continue to approach enthusiastic community members to join Board of Directors, to a maximum of 16.
• Travel to Midwestern children’s museums and establish positive contacts at each.
• Complete exhibit master plan.
• Begin soliciting capital donations.

Land/Building Information

Busy Brains is finalizing a site agreement to lease approximately 9,000 sq. ft. in a downtown Lake County municipality. We hope to finish this agreement in the next two months, announce our home address, and open in early 2011.

Initially, 60% of the available space will be used to house exhibits. The remaining space will be divided appropriately, allowing for a gift shop, restrooms, eating area, private rooms for programs, classes and rentals, office space, storage space and a small workshop.

Exhibit and Program Plans

Busy Brains plans to have seven to eight exhibit galleries, and space for a traveling exhibit. Focus groups of teachers, parents, children, and businesses have been conducted to help in the exhibit decision making process. Exhibits will be completely interactive, and focus on topics of interest to Lake County families and visitors.

Programs will be offered to extend the visitor experience. Professionals within the community, in addition to trained staff, will lead programs in desired areas.

Staff:

Board of Directors: