DISCOVERY MUSEUM FINANCIAL CRISIS

Eureka, CA- The discovery museum, a community staple for creative learning is in a financial crisis and in jeopardy of closing its doors if needed funds is not attained.
 
Imagine if it all faded away…That's what some are afraid. The news broke today about the financial crisis for the only hands on learning museum that exists for hundreds of miles on the north coast.
 
Executive director Lynn Langdon says about $180,000 is how much it takes to operate the museum yearly. Lately, they’ve had to tap into their savings account; an account that's almost empty. It’s a tough situation that many non-profits in the area have faced.
 
Langdon attributes it to many factors, “ The fact that everybody's struggling economically. The fact that our business sponsors have decreased, either closed up shop, or aren't able to give at the levels they used to so it's just a changing economy."
 
The museum has been around for 15 years- 10 of those at the current location. Each year about 12,000 people visit the place where kids can use their imagination to learn.
 
The executive director, along with four part time staff members manage the daily operations. They also offer special programs and learning classes, community events, and a summer camp that's been in operation for over 60 years.  
 
Courtney Haraldson grew up learning at the discovery museum. She now works at the organization’s sponsored summer camp. When she heard the news, she reflected on how the institution impacted her childhood.
 
"This is a great place for field trips for kids to be able to learn in a different way. There’s a lot of hands-on learning here and I think without this museum it would be really sad to this community and I’d be a great loss, " Haraldson said.
 
More importantly, it would be a great loss to the young growing minds of the future.