Each week, this series from Marion Technical College shares MarionMade! stories of our many wonderful people, places, products, and programs in the greater Marion community. To read more positive stories of Marion, or to share some of your own, visit us as marionmade.org or on social media.
One retired teacher took the Explore-It-Torium Children’s Museum from an idea to a reality in 2019.
The 10,000-square-foot museum of play at the historic Carnegie Library, 224 S. Main St., Cindy Binns used volunteers and grants to offer children and families a chance to unplug and play.
“I love it here,” said long-time volunteer Jackie Sutton of Marion. “I love being around kids and seeing them smile. It’s like being a kid again. I bring my grandson. He’s an only child. He loves coming here to play.”
Happy kids bustle from room to room with arts, crafts, costumes, a stage, puppets and building blocks. Caitlyn Stevens of Prospect loves to take her child to the museum.
“We’ve been playing here about a year and a half. We appreciate what it has brought to Marion and all of the different activities they do,” Stevens said.
MARCA's steps in to keep the museum alive
Last winter, Binns encountered a serious health issue and needed to step back from The Explore-it-Torium. Volunteers worried the local treasure would be forced to close.
MARCA’s (MARCA Industries Recycling and ADAMH) leadership took on the Explore-It-Torium. Adult clients with disabilities now staff the museum alongside volunteers.
The reMARCAble Store moved from 122 S. Main St. into the museum and added more unique items for kids from Ohio small businesses. With new resources, MARCA was able to expand the museum’s hours and days.
“I’m so glad it’s staying in the community!” said Sharon Lane, a long-time volunteer. “MARCA’s done a great job. They’ve done major improvements and will continue to do so. Before, it was just volunteers, grants and donations. The MARCA clients are great. Otherwise, we would have had to close.”
A win for clients and the community
“It’s working out wonderfully. It’s a perfect fit,” said Kelsey Williams, museum manager. “The clients love it. They enjoy it. There’s more work for them. Sometimes they just have fun playing with the kids. The families have been great. It’s great for kids to interact with people with disabilities to normalize differences.”
Cora Layne of Marion is a client of MARCA. She worked at the reMARCAble store to learn retail skills and now is working at the museum of play.
“I do like it here!” Layne proclaimed.
Her favorite task is setting up new arts and crafts projects.
On the day two Marion police officers came to read a story, kids could make their own police officer puppet and show them to the officers.
Book a party at Explore-It-Torium
Birthday parties are another favorite at the museum with a private party room. Chelsea Glezen hosted her son’s second birthday party there.
“The kids absolutely loved it because there was so much for them to do. It was super easy for me as a host because I didn’t have to plan games and activities − the thoughtfully and creatively themed rooms already had everything the kids could need to stay occupied,” said Chelsea Glezen. “Not only was this party planning almost effortless, it was the most affordable place I could find in the area to host the event that included admission for everyone in attendance. Next time you need a place to host your child’s birthday party, give the Explore-It-Torium a call.”
Volunteers love to see parents, grandparents and children unplug and play, from the different activities to board games donated by retired teachers.
The museum is planning special events each month. They include visits from representatives of the Marion Public Library and the Tall Grass Trails. The Explore-It-Torium is planning another Secret Santa event, where kids can shop for loved one with the help of an elf and leave with wrapped, labelled presents.
“We keep it local,” Williams said.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: MarionMade!: It was a win-win when MARCA stepped up to lead the Explore-It-Torium
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