COLUMBUS, Neb. -- The Columbus Area Children's Museum Board of Directors announced its fund-raising campaign on Tuesday in order to have the facility open to the public by this fall.

In 2017, a Columbus area survey showed the need for a children's museum, although a bond for a new library and cultural center, which would house the space, was not passed.

In 2020, a new bond for a library with a space for the children's museum was passed starting the museum's journey.

Despite the bond's passing, the children's museum is not a city project, but a 501 (c) (3) non-profit leasing its space in the new building. 

The CACM Board of Directors has raised a substantial amount of its $3 million goal since it started fund-raising in 2022 and is now calling on the public's help for additional needed funding.

"We can't get there without your help, so today we're going public with this campaign," said Board of Directors Secretary Tim Kacena. "So businesses can sponsor exhibits and we also have tiered levels that we'd be able to come into. We're still working very diligently on the grant side of the house, so we have board members that are looking directly at that specific area for writing grants. We have a founding family membership drive, and anybody can make any donation at any time."

The campaign's theme is, "Play your Part, Fund the Fun!"

The 10,000 sq. ft. children's museum is expected to have a water table/STEAM exhibit, a founding family market, a 24-foot corn cob climber, and more.

The museum will also be accessible to children with disabilities. 

If you'd like to donate, click here.