ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – A historic Escanaba building is getting a new lease on life thanks to a local nonprofit.
The Dream Maker Children’s Museum was conceptualized in 2023, following the deaths of Tara and Jerry Weaver. Tara had served as the director of the Great Start Collaborative at the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District. Her coworkers began working to make her dream of creating a children’s museum a reality.
“We noticed a gap in early childhood services and offerings in the area,” said museum treasurer Andrea Tourangeau. “We had the motivation to do something about it and bring a children’s museum to the area where families can support each other, and children can experience different things in a meaningful way.”
The former Carnegie Library on South Seventh Street has been selected as the site of the museum. For the last 30 years, the building has been preserved and maintained by Paul and Marcia Neumeier, who are happy to see it serving the community once again.
“We had been looking for a location that’s walkable and convenient for people,” said museum board member Tiffany Olsick. “It’s been a three-year process of looking at buildings. It has a beautiful structure and beautiful bones.”
“It was surprising when we walked into the building, and everyone had the same overwhelming feeling,” Tourangeau said. “After going inside and seeing how open and bright it is and the space available, it won us over right away. It is amazing to think that we can bring that crown jewel back to life and that it’s actually going to be a crown jewel again. A lot of people still think about that building and have memories there. To see the next generations utilize it in the same way and have those memories is really exciting.”
The Dream Maker Children’s Museum will be a place for children and families to connect through imagination, exploration, and learning. The board hopes to inspire youth through interactive exhibits, immersive activities, and events while still reflecting Escananaba’s rich history.
“It’s really special,” Olsick said. “It’s neat to see all the people commenting on their memories at the old library. Now, we’re going to be able to build that again.”
Now, the board is raising funds to renovate the building, make it accessible, and bring it up to code. Donations can be made via the website or at Upper Peninsula State Bank. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Tourangeau by calling 906-786-9300 ext. 101 or emailing dreammaker4kids@gmail.com.
The Dream Maker Children’s Museum board hopes to have the doors open within two years. To learn more about the nonprofit, visit dreammakercm.org or follow the official Facebook page.
