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We are here because of you!
It's true. SPARK is here because of you. Our story began in 2006 when a group of parents dreamt about a place for fun and educational opportunities for them and their children. Fast forward a few, err, 16 years, and we are now SPARK, the Children's Museum of Rochester, Inc. We are a local nonprofit, meaning the money we earn and raise at SPARK is poured right back into our museum. Our staff and Board of Directors live right here in southern Minnesota and are passionate about SPARK, our mission, and the families we serve. Since SPARK opened our doors in August 2020, we've hosted more than 130,000 visits, and more than 1,500 programs, have added dozens of hands-on, interactive exhibits, and have built relationships with many, many friends in our community. We call this a success! If you're reading this post, it's because you have contributed to that success, and we are grateful.
One of our points of pride at SPARK is that we welcome everyone. Our visitors learn about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), cultural connectedness, and health and well-being. Experiences span all knowledge levels and foster interest-driven and project-based learning.
Why do we do this aside from the obvious - we love hearing laughs and seeing smiles? We also love helping individuals grow their knowledge and skills. Learning through play is essential to healthy brain development and allows children to express their creative and imaginative side while developing physical, cognitive, and emotional strengths. We also focus on the whole family, including intergenerational learning which means we span the gamut of providing fun play and enrichment from babies to grandparents.
Thank you for your support over the years. We would not have done this without you!
With gratitude,
Heather Nessler
Executive Director