Home for a museum

The Eastern Maine Children’s Museum proposal last week to use half the available space in the Freese’s building presents a terrific educational source for the region’s children and a boost to the downtown. City councilors, who will consider the proposal during the next few weeks, have one of those rare chances to make a permanent improvement to the city so important that, if successful, residents will someday mark life in Bangor as before and after the museum came to be.

There is good reason to think Bangor will handle the museum’s proposal properly. It has worked well with Freese’s developer Joseph Cloutier to create housing for the elderly, made a smart move by agreeing to renovate the remaining 40,000 square feet for a future tenant and properly wants to see what other proposals for the Freese’s space exist as it reviews the museum’s bid.

The value of the museum, however, extends far beyond the typical business. It brings vitality and excitement to the downtown; it provides a place of learning, a community gathering spot and a focal point from which to continue the work merchants and city officials have done to rescue the downtown from oblivion.

The plan for the children’s museum has progressed during the last 18 months from conception to planning to proposal because of broad community support at every step. Guided by Partnerships for Healthy Communities, an estimated 150 to 200 regional volunteers have contributed their ideas for the design of the building and exhibits, on site review, fund-raising and marketing. They created a business plan and helped form a youth group that came up with more ideas. The support has so far made the difference between this proposal and countless other good intentions that faded after a few months.

As the museum proposal has grown its value as a resource for families has become more apparent. Its Book Town exhibit celebrates the works of award-winning children’s authors, particularly those from Maine. The Four Seasons of Art exhibit is a hands-on tour that integrates music, painting, culture, math and science, There’s a nature tour and a lesson in (literally) the body. The exhibits are aimed at 2- to 12-year-olds and have been shaped to complement activities in many Maine classrooms.

The museum, however, is far from finished. Even if the council approves a plan to donate space at Freese’s, another $3.6 million will be needed to complete the project. It is a large undertaking that Eastern Maine should accept eagerly.

First up, however, is to persuade the City Council that it holds the keys to the museum’s home.