The Dream Maker Children’s Museum (DMCM) Board announced the former Carnegie Library building in Escanaba will soon be the home of the children's museum. (Courtesy photo)

ESCANABA — The Dream Maker Children’s Museum (DMCM) Board has officially announced that the former Carnegie Library building will soon come back to life as the home of the children’s museum.

The release states that countless hours were spent on wants, needs, pros and cons list and several different location tours before they chose the Carnegie Library building.

“I think each of us had a unique ‘aha’ moment upon entering the building,” Andrea Tourangeau, a DMCM board member, shared. “For some it was the historic charm, others the bright and open feeling, and for myself I was intrigued by the location, but it was just the ‘Holy cow, this is it’ feeling when I stepped inside that really won me over.'”

Board Member Karissa Dagenais said, “I missed the first walk through of the building, but when I was sent just a few pictures of the inside, I instantly knew this was it.”

The DMCM’s goal is to establish a community space that connects children and families through imagination, exploration and learning.

The release further states the museum will offer a safe indoor and outdoor space, along with innovative, hands-on and interactive exhibits designed to inspire youth and reflect the rich history and unique culture of Delta County.

The building has been preserved and structurally maintained by Paul and Marcia Neumeier for three decades.

“Paul and Marcia kept the building sound, and they have been so helpful and supportive to the process, equally excited to see the building reach its full potential,” Dagenais added.

The DMCM board notes the space offers more than nostalgia, writing, “With its large windows, strong bones and open floor plan, the former library is a dream space for the future community gem.”

Tourangeau added, “The community donations and well wishes really have helped carry the project forward thus far, the enthusiasm made it impossible for us to give up. Now the heavy lifting begins, a core value of the Dream Maker Children’s Museum is that it will be affordable and accessible for everyone.”

However, the mortgage, financing and costly renovations to bring the building up to code will be expensive. According to the release, the board is looking into grant opportunities, but the renovations will require matching funds for some grants, as well.

Additionally, the DMCM team has put together a tiered capital campaign that is about to launch.

“Together, we can bring this historic building back to life and create a space where children and families can learn, explore, and grow for generations to come,” the release states.

To learn more about the various sponsorship opportunities, call Tourangeau at 906-786-9300 ext. 101 or email dreammaker4kids@gmail.com.

To stay updated on progress, upcoming events and ways to get involved, DMCM asks the community to like and follow its Facebook page: Dream Maker Children’s Museum.

—

Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.