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HISTORY

WonderLab was the inspiration of Debra Kent, a Bloomington journalist and mother, who gathered a small group of like-minded individuals in late 1994 to talk about creating a hands-on science museum in Bloomington. The following year WonderLab was incorporated under the laws of Indiana, obtained 501(c)(3) non-profit status and began operation as a traveling outreach program run by dedicated volunteers.

On January 10, 1998, WonderLab opened a small, interim museum on the north side of the Bloomington courthouse square. At the same time, fundraising began to build a permanent museum on the present site, which the city of Bloomington had donated the previous year for the purpose.

The current award-winning museum opened to the public on March 29, 2003. It remains a grassroots organization supported by hundreds of volunteers, staffed by many individuals who nurtured it from its beginnings and treasured as a valuable asset by the community.

MISSION

WonderLab is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for people of all ages, especially children, to experience the wonder and excitement of science through hands-on exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity, encourage exploration, and foster lifelong learning.

AWARDS

FUSE Business Innovation Award: Social Entrepreneur of the Year, 2007
Awarded by: South Central Small Business Development Center and inVenture

Outstanding Community Supporter, 2007
Awarded by: Girls Scouts of Tulip Trace Council, Inc.

Outstanding Partner in Education, 2007
Awarded by: Phi Delta Kappa, IU/Alpha Chapter

Quality of Life Award, 2005 (for WonderGarden)
Awarded by: Downtown Bloomington Commission

"City's Best" Museum, 2004
Awarded by: AOL Cityguide

Public Service Award, 2003
Awarded by: Bloomington Council for Community Accessibility

Community Enhancement Award, 2003
Awarded by: Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce

Attraction of the Year, 2003
Awarded by: Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau

Best Place to Find Unusual Gifts, 2003
Awarded by: Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau

Best Place to Take Kids, 2003
Voted by: Readers of the Herald-Times

Schreck Community Award, 2003
Awarded by: Indiana University, Division of Student Affairs

Organization of the Year, 2000
Awarded by: Commission for Bloomington Downtown

Certificate of Recognition, 1998
Awarded by: South Central Association for the Education of Young Children

Best Special Event: WonderLab Museum for a Day, 1997
Awarded by: Commission for Bloomington Downtown


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© 2008 WonderLab Museum