Our Place Community Center-
Imagination Factory Children's Museum
History
The Our Place Community Center-Imagination Factory was originated in April 2018 when Barb Reisner, Jonathan Ringel and Cherie Fila began transforming a two year dream into reality. In September, a Board of Directors was formed and in November the nonprofit 501C3 application was submitted to the IRS. On April 26, 2019, Our Place Community Center-Imagination Factory Children's Museum received a Determination Letter from the Internal Revenue Service-Department Of The Treasury with an official Employer Identification Number.
Phase 1: Action Team Planning
During the summer of 2019, the following Action Teams were formed to begin phase one implementation: Building Selection Team; Design Team; Exhibit Team and Executive Director Team.
Phase 2: Building Lease
On January 15, 2020 a 4-year building agreement lease was signed with the Iron Mountain School Board (IMPS) to occupy upper level space at 217 West Hughitt Street: 4,500 square feet with 4 rooms, an office and walkway. The Imagination Factory Children's Museum was a perfect fit for IMPS former upstairs classrooms with museum exhibits in 3 rooms and activities and meetings in 2 rooms. In addition, the IMPS agreed to provide space in the lower level for family events, trainings and education series.
Phase 3: Renovations
The Design Team decided right away to focus on IMAGINATION as the Imagination Factory Children's Museum Theme. Transforming a classroom-school environment into interactive play and creative play rooms was the objective.
Phase 4: Exhibit Placement
The 3 museum rooms were divided into 3 themes: Environment Room, Industry Room and Health Room. Each room is scheduled to have 7-10 exhibits placed specifically designed around the room theme.
Phase 5: Program Rooms
In addition to the 3 museum exhibit rooms, 3 other rooms were designated for youth and adult programs: (1) Empowerment Room: Student leaders in grades 7-12 have space for creative projects; i.e., photography, video production, drawings, event planning . . . (2) Way To Grow Garden: a walkway with windows and sunshine for plant growing stations to promote healthy eating for everyone; (3) Store & Office: Volunteer meeting area and a place to display artwork and other items made available for all those visiting the Imagination Factory Children's Museum.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
OPCC-IF BOOKLET