The Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal has received a generous $500,000 donation from Compeer Financial, a farm credit cooperative based in Bloomington. This contribution will help fund the museum’s new agriculture exhibit, “From the Farm to a Healthy Me.”
The exhibit aims to provide children with interactive, hands-on experiences related to farming and nutrition. It will allow them to role-play as farmers, grocers, and chefs, while also featuring an Ag Lab. The Ag Lab will incorporate STEM concepts to teach children about agronomy, weather, and soil. Other attractions will include a grocery store, food truck, and drone simulations.
Jase Wagner, president and CEO of Compeer Financial, explained, “This exhibit helps connect consumers with where their food comes from and fosters greater awareness and appreciation.”
Beth Whisman, executive director of the Town of Normal Cultural Arts and Children’s Discovery Museum, shared that the fundraising campaign is still about $150,000 short of its $2.8 million goal. This effort was bolstered by a record $1 million donation from the McLean County Farm Bureau.
Some work on the exhibit has already started. Whisman also mentioned that Compeer recently organized a play night for its employees at the museum. “It was a fantastic experience telling the adults all about our big plans while their kids played in the current exhibit, demonstrating how fun ag can be,” she said.
