History |
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The York Area Children’s Museum (YACM) was co-founded by Karen Fillman and Kathy Seiboldt. Planning, outreach, and preparation began in early 1999, with the grand opening of the York Area Children’s Museum on August 19, 2000. The two local mothers started the project after discussing the need for more children’s activities in York, especially through the winter months.
That dream became a reality after receiving an excited ‘yes’ from the city administrator (Jack Vavra), a grant opportunity from the Cooper Foundation in Lincoln, and exhibits from the Lincoln Children’s Museum after their move to a new facility.
Fillman, along with volunteers, went out into the community to promote the museum. To make the vision possible, they began asking people to donate time, skills, funds, and materials. Many individuals had graciously volunteered to help build exhibits, offer services to help run the museum after opening, and even take on the project of grant writing. Funds, sponsorship of exhibits, and countless hours of volunteer’s time brought the museum to life. Thorough the last twenty years, many facelifts and makeovers have taken place to improve the integrity of the museum.
The success and growth of YACM is made possible through funding from generous donors in and around the community, volunteers, and our visitors. The City of York donates the museum space in the city auditorium, and also funds our utilities. Insurance, supplies, and small upkeep projects are paid for by YACM. We stand by our $1 per person admission fee, which was established by the founders, to keep the museum an attainable and affordable place for all to enjoy. The museum has hosted many sponsored educational programs, and is home to many birthday parties, events, and even a space for the children of Sunday worship groups.
The York Area Children’s Museum still abides by many of the same established principals and volunteerism efforts today, and looks ahead to the future of serving our patrons.
Thank you to the dedication of many families, volunteers, donors, and the City of York to have made this dream a reality from the very beginning, and for years to come!
That dream became a reality after receiving an excited ‘yes’ from the city administrator (Jack Vavra), a grant opportunity from the Cooper Foundation in Lincoln, and exhibits from the Lincoln Children’s Museum after their move to a new facility.
Fillman, along with volunteers, went out into the community to promote the museum. To make the vision possible, they began asking people to donate time, skills, funds, and materials. Many individuals had graciously volunteered to help build exhibits, offer services to help run the museum after opening, and even take on the project of grant writing. Funds, sponsorship of exhibits, and countless hours of volunteer’s time brought the museum to life. Thorough the last twenty years, many facelifts and makeovers have taken place to improve the integrity of the museum.
The success and growth of YACM is made possible through funding from generous donors in and around the community, volunteers, and our visitors. The City of York donates the museum space in the city auditorium, and also funds our utilities. Insurance, supplies, and small upkeep projects are paid for by YACM. We stand by our $1 per person admission fee, which was established by the founders, to keep the museum an attainable and affordable place for all to enjoy. The museum has hosted many sponsored educational programs, and is home to many birthday parties, events, and even a space for the children of Sunday worship groups.
The York Area Children’s Museum still abides by many of the same established principals and volunteerism efforts today, and looks ahead to the future of serving our patrons.
Thank you to the dedication of many families, volunteers, donors, and the City of York to have made this dream a reality from the very beginning, and for years to come!
