September 22 2009

At an event held Tuesday, September 22nd, attended by various state and community leaders, educators and supporters of its mission, the Stillwater Children’s Museum, Ltd. (SCM) announced it will change its name to the Oklahoma WONDERtorium, Ltd. (OWL). Although the publicized purpose of the event was to dedicate the site that will be its future home, the museum surprised the audience with the big announcement.

"We could not be more excited about this name change and the future of the Oklahoma WONDERtorium.We know there are great things in store for this effort and for our community.”
– Ruth Cavins, Executive Director

Believing the museum’s current programs and future facility are not just for the citizens of Stillwater, but for the entire state, the name change marks an exciting turning point for the museum’s many volunteers, staff and board of directors.

“The name change captures the museum’s continuing commitment to inspire wonder and curiosity in the hearts and minds of today’s young people,” said board president Marcia Karns. “It encompasses the vision we’ve always had for the museum to be a place where families – whether they live in Stillwater, another city, or even another state – can play-to-learn together.”

At the event, guest speakers – who were in on the surprise – spoke of the museum’s impact. Oklahoma Senator Jim Halligan outlined the ways a solid education prepares children for college, careers and life. He insisted the programming and resources available through facilities like the Oklahoma WONDERtorium initiate that education process even at an early age.

Cavins detailed how the Museum Without Walls programming has served more than 10,000 children in Stillwater, Cushing, Perkins, Yale, Ripley and many other Oklahoma communities over the past four years.

Stillwater Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Cristy Morrison highlighted the ways the future facility will affect tourism. She said, “The Oklahoma WONDERtorium will be more than just a resource to the families here in Stillwater. It will be another reason for people from around our state to visit this great community and find out just what we have to offer.” (See the full text of Cristy Morrison's comments here.)

With plans to open in 2012, the Oklahoma WONDERtorium is estimated to serve more than 100,000 visitors each year. The facility will be constructed on land located along Tenth Avenue between Duck and Duncan Streets, which was purchased from the City of Stillwater earlier this summer. With its proximity to Downtown Stillwater, the public library, multi-arts center, community center and Sherrar Museum, all involved eagerly anticipate the WONDERtorium’s location in this educational and cultural hot spot.

“We would like to thank the City of Stillwater for its cooperation in securing this location, which will be ideal for the museum,” Karns said. “We offer our gratitude to former Mayor Roger McMillian, Mayor Nathan Bates and all the city council members who have believed in the vision of the museum and the many benefits it will bring to our community.”

The Oklahoma WONDERtorium has launched a new and improved Web site to support its new name, new future location and all its ongoing programs. Check it out at www.okwondertorium.org. Also, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/okwondertorium.

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