Timeline
October, 2005
First grant from Minnesota Valley Association for Early Childhood Educators
January, 2006
GMED trip to Bellingham Washington
April, 2006
First Board of Directors assemble
June, 2006
501(c)(3) status
August, 2007
Environmental scan
September, 2007
Original case statement
January, 2008
Feasability study
December, 2008
Signed first Executive Director for fulltime position
January, 2009
Began regular delivery of programs and traveling exhibits
May, 2009
Completed transitional fundraising goal
Summer, 2009
Outreach tour throughout southern Minnesota
September, 2009
Riverfront park opens
Fall, 2009
Identify permanent site
November, 2009
Open six month venue of traveling exhibit from MN Children's Museum, The Amazing Castle
Upcoming
Secure permanent site
Complete business plan
Launch capital campaign
Building rehab
Exhibit build out
Open to public
According to retired school district superintendent Ed Waltman, about 40% of Mankato's student population of about 7,000 are from low-income families, are learning English, or receive special education