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| Member, Alliance of Bloomington Museums More... |
Member, Association of Science-Technology Centers More... |
| Nov 23, 2009 | NWF Certifies WonderLab Museum Garden as Wildlife Habitat |
| Oct 24, 2009 | Bloomington Commercial Properties Win Local Awards |
| Mar 4, 2009 | Geo-Flo Products Corporation Helps NLCS Students Take Field Trips |
| Feb 27, 2009 |
Boston Scientific Foundation Grant Funds Greene Co. School Field Trips |
| Dec 5, 2008 | IU Credit Union Donation Supports IU Students at WonderLab |
| Nov 20, 2008 | WonderLab Receives Statewide Achievement Award |
| Oct 7, 2008 | Local Doctors and WonderLab Present Medical Careers Program |
| Aug 25, 2008 | Magazine Names WonderLab a Top 25 Science Museum |
| September 2009 | WFIU "Community Minute" Profile (audio) |
| June 2009 | Smithville "Local Videos" Profile (video - turn HD "off" if necessary) |
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.
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.
Top 25 Science Center in the United States, 2008
Ranked #17 by: Parents Magazine (September issue)
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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