The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum started with a dream, back in 1987, and then blew into reality 10 years later. Nheena Ittner launched this treasure factory of memories to grow the community together. As a real giver, Ittner’s entire adult life has been dedicated to this museum and seeing it grow. “It’s where I put my energy besides my own family of course but it’s like a member of my family I guess”.
Retiring from this adventure hasn’t been easy…but Nheena is ready for a new path. A big part of her life was the Museum, helping plan out the exhibits that throughout the years, were actually built by the kids. Mother and Grandma, Nheena is looking forward to spending more time with family and helping out at the museum where she can.
City Commissioner Jessica Hanley has taken up the new executive director role at the Museum. Her first-year goals are finishing up some of their ongoing projects like the “Body” exhibit. The NMU construction students are also building a Landmark Inn exhibit, featuring a check-in desk and a room that you can walk into. “It’s daunting I won’t deny it to step into a role where it’s been Nheena’s very well loved by this community and she knows exactly what she was doing here cause she built it this is her baby”
Before applying to the position, Hanley and Ittner sat down to run through what the Director role entails. “I wanted to see exactly what she envisioned in the person taking up the helm for her.
This is the first time the torch is being passed at the Children’s Museum and even some of their residents know it’s a big reputation to uphold. At the museum, they also have a variety of reptiles, birds, and even hydroponics for the kids to learn from. Click here for more information on fun events happening at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum.
