History
The Imagination Factory was originated in April 2018 when Barb Reisner, Jonathan Ringel and Cherie Fila began transforming a 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, Imagination Factory Children’s Museum received a Determination Letter from the Internal Revenue Service-Department of the Treasury with an official Employer Identification Number.
Action Teams
During the summer of 2019, Action Teams were formed to begin the implementation phase: Building Selection Team, Design Team, Exhibit Team and Executive Director Team.
Building
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.
Exhibits
The 3 museum rooms were divided into 3 themes: Environment Room, Industry Room and Health Room. Each room provided space for installation of 8-10 exhibits placed to align with the room theme.
Activities
In addition to the 3 museum exhibit rooms, additional museum space provides for creative projects, activities, meetings and training: (1) Art-Media-Game Room – interactive wall exhibits, art and music activities, computer-video-photograph programs, youth leadership meetings, parent discussions . . . (2) Sunshine Room – features a music station, environment exhibit, interactive play areas, grocery store, hydroponic plant stations (Fall activity) . . . (3) Community Room – gathering place for parents and toddlers, community meeting room, photo booth exhibit, birthday parties, community and museum activities . . . and (4) Volunteer Room – registration and guest check in area, volunteer team room, Animaland – Build An Animal exhibit, record keeping and supplies.
2022 Making An Impact Successes
• 50 PLAY STATIONS
• 30 Birthday parties first year
• Over 200 Annual Family Memberships
• 30 Active Volunteers
• 48 Saturday Children’s Activities In 2022
• Parent Discussion Events held monthly
• 4 Parent Parties annually
• 35 Exhibits, 15 Play Stations, 12 Play Buildings
• 500 + Contributors
• 230 Gus Macker Teams in 2022
Programs
Imagination Factory hosts trainings, meetings, children’s activities, youth leadership team projects and education series weekly and monthly. Providing family events involving children and all family members is a priority!
Children’s Activities
The following programs and activities will be offered on SATURDAY MORNINGS for young children:
- DOLL TEA PARTY
- GARDENING
- READING CIRCLES
- BOOK WALKS
- TYPES OF PLAY
- STUFFED ANIMAL FRIENDS
- HEALTHY EATING
- MEET MY FAMILY
- BRAIN FIT
Parents can schedule BIRTHDAY PARTIES and school staff and organizations can plan GROUP VISITS – Go to website dashboard Plan Your Visit page.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Saturday Morning Children’s Activities
Saturday Morning Children’s Activities feature presenters speaking to participants featuring important information are popular topics; i.e., parenting skills, grandparents parenting, first aid, CPR, early literacy, meeting local counselors, community resources . . .
Student Leadership Development
Imagination Factory Children’s Museum strongly believes in supporting and promoting student leadership development. Two specific programs offered to local middle and high school students: Imagination Factory Student Volunteer Team and Student Mentors.
