By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
COOKEVILLE – The Cookeville Children’s Museum announced today that as a result of COVID-19 it will be closing its doors effective immediately. The interactive museum had closed to the public in March 2020.
According to a statement issued by the museum on its Facebook page, the museum had attempted to reopen within state guidelines, including revamping exhibit spaces and encouraging social distancing, but “due to low attendance in its summer programs and events, the museum was left with a loss of revenue.”
“Since 2007, it has been an honor and privilege for the Cookeville Children’s Museum to play a part in the strong and supportive community of Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland region,” said Museum Board and Executive Director, Patti Purdy in the statement.
“Over the years the museum was establishing friendships of children, creating memories with families, and instilling a love of learning, giving chances to children underserved, delivering smiles during camp and birthday parties, and ultimately fostering connections to every child that walked through the doors of Cookeville Children’s Museum,” the statement continued.
Although the museum is closing, Board members hope to introduce a new children’s museum in the near future.
“Moving forward, we are focused on the long-term viability of our organization and remain committed to serving our members and the community,” the statement continued. “We want the Cookeville Children’s Museum to be available to the Upper Cumberland region for children and families long after the pandemic. The Museum Board has intentions to work diligently to create a new Children’s Museum that will serve our community and the surrounding communities in new and wonderful ways.”
The board plans to announce information about the annual Gala fundraiser, which was previously rescheduled to September, within the next few days.
