As hundreds of children, parents and grandparents waited in happy anticipation, City Council member Barry Peters proclaimed Saturday, June 5 to be “Kids Discovery Museum Day.”

The excitement mounted as Rep. Jay Inslee led the countdown for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. On “three,” the links of a paper chain that stretched across the front of the building were torn, making way for the first visitors to the new KiDiMu – the embodiment of a true community project.

In 2003, Molly Hogger pulled together a group of like-minded community members to build the Kids Discovery Museum, and in 2005 that dedicated group of folks opened KiDiMu, providing a place for parents, children and their caregivers to learn through play together.

In 2008, with the goal to provide a permanent home, the Kids Discovery Museum board of directors launched a capital campaign, led by campaign director Cheryl Dale.

All nonprofit organizations rely heavily on their fellow community members for support, and the Kids Discovery Museum is no exception. This $2.3 million project would not have happened without the dedication, support and efforts of countless individuals, corporations and foundations:

Rotarians, who cheerfully painted the walls; Kiwanis members, who happily sealed the concrete floors; Cia Mooney, who volunteered to design all of the “Our Town” exhibit; Rebecca King, who donated her significant artistry to paint the murals adorning our walls; Craden Henderson, who graciously offered his considerable skills and time to installing the exhibits; the board of directors, who raised the money and wielded paint brushes, hammers and drills; and dedicated staff members who worked tirelessly to prepare for the opening.

We are grateful to all who had a part in our success – architect Matthew Coates, builders PHC Construction, developers Asani LLC, and our many donors, volunteers, and visitors!

Thank you for your support and we look forward to welcoming you to our new Kids Discovery Museum in the Island Gateway development at the corner of State Route 305 and Winslow Way.

Diane Crowder, board president

Susan Sivitz, executive director