Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 24, 1994 TAG: 9409260035
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ROBERT FREIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Officials announced Friday that two "satellite" locations will be offering programs, a first for the children's museum.
In November, DiscoveryWorks classes in the arts, humanities and science will be taught at the Hethwood complex's community room in Blacksburg.
Two months later, the museum's new fall exhibit, "Small Steps, Giant Leaps - A 25th Anniversary of Men on the Moon," will be traveling intact to the New River Valley Mall.
"There's no other facility like this in Southwestern Virginia, and it's clear that people want more art and science activities," said Paula Wilder, the museum's executive director.
Reaching out to more people and new partners is the museum's goal, Wilder said. Off-site activities in other areas such as Riner, Pulaski, Giles and Floyd also are being discussed.
The announcement of the satellite locations came as the museum kicked off its fall fund-raising campaign and the opening of the "Small Steps, Giant Leaps" exhibit.
Susan Allen, wife of Gov. George Allen, came to the Norwood Street museum for the event. As the mother of two and as a board member of the Richmond Children's Museum, Allen said she's acutely interested educational opportunities for youth outside of the classroom.
"Radford has really become a shining star" in providing such an opportunity through DiscoveryWorks, said Allen, who will be the museum's honorary fund-raising chairwoman.
Founded in 1988, DiscoveryWorks is a non-profit, interactive community museum for children and families emphasizing the arts and sciences.
"We need imagination in science," Wilder told a crowd of about 40 gathered at the museum.
In coming weeks, the museum will conduct its fund-raising drive among individuals and businesses. Friday, a corporate donation of $5,000 from Harris General and Mechanical Contractors was presented to Barbara Tuck, DiscoveryWorks' fund-raising chairman.
Closer partnerships with both area universities and other entities such as the Blacksburg Electronic Village are goals for the coming year, Wilder said.
by CNB