Children's museum planners seek funding with public events

FREEPORT, Ill. (AP) - Organizers of a children's museum in Stephenson County need funding and a place to put it, but they're moving ahead with their planning.

The (Freeport) Journal-Standard reports (http://bit.ly/1O4OtVq) leaders of the nonprofit Children's Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois are planning public events to generate interest and money.

Vice President Shirley Jordan says the group is establishing a building fund while at the same time exploring ideas for collections.

A four-day pop-up display of museum exhibits drew 800 visitors in October.

In April, organizers will take as many as eight science exhibits to Taylor Park Elementary School's science fair. They produced a puppet show at the elementary school in nearby Orangeville.

Museum organizers also want to find a semi-permanent home for school groups to visit.