What’s happening: The planned $1.8 million expansion of Alpena’s Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan is $70,000 shy of meeting its budget goal, museum officials attest. A unique partnership forged in the spirit of placemaking promises to make their visions of a new-look exhibition space a reality.
What’s planned: The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan features the science, history, and culture of northeast Michigan, including more than 47,000 artifacts, a planetarium, and more. The museum plans to activate a 3,000 sq. ft. underutilized area of their building and transform it into a modern site worthy of hosting their new Discover Northeast Michigan History Exhibit. Interactive exhibit components will include a climbable ice wall, milkable cow, digitally animated Michigan map table,
and plenty more.
How they’ll do it: The Besser Museum project has been accepted into the state’s placemaking initiative Public Spaces Community Places, a joint effort from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity. As part of the initiative, organizers have launched a $35,000 crowdfunding campaign on the Michigan-based Patronicity platform. Should they successfully reach their goal by Monday, Oct. 21, the MEDC will contribute a $35,000 matching grant to the project.
Learn more about the Besser Museum project
on Patronicity.
Why it’s important: “This collaboration marks a significant step towards creating a state-of-the-art regional history museum experience for residents of all ages. We believe that this project will not only benefit our local residents but also attract visitors from beyond our community, fostering a deeper appreciation for our regional history," says Christine Witulski, exhibit director for the Besser Museum. “Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure that the Besser Museum continues to serve as a vibrant cultural hub for years to come. We’re confident our community will help us raise our goal so we can receive a matching grant from the MEDC.”
The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan is located at 491 Johnson St. in Alpena.
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