Mid Columbia Children's Museum presents feasibility findings, seeks site and funding for Tri-Cities location

Chelsea Blair, president of the Mid Columbia Children's Museum board, told the Richland City Council on a January 2025 meeting that the volunteer-led nonprofit has completed much of its feasibility work and is asking local partners for help securing a site and funding for concept and exhibit design.

The museum, Blair said, is focused on early learning and STEAM exposure for Tri‑Cities children. “A children's museum is helping children find their why,” Blair said, adding that hands-on experiences increase creativity, problem solving and kindergarten readiness. She cited local readiness and assessment statistics from the group's research: 63 percent of children lack access to high-quality early education, and 54 percent lag in kindergarten math readiness, with nearly half testing below third-grade level by third grade.

The nut of the museum's request is site-selection and concept-design funding. Beth Crocker, vice president of the board, said the feasibility study — paid for with roughly $200,000 in…