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Heard Museum asks MCDC for $72,102 to build indoor 'bug abode' exhibit
Summary
The Heard Natural Science Museum requested $72,102 (30% of a $193,000 project) from MCDC to renovate its exhibition hall, add a climate‑controlled bug exhibit, replace vinyl flooring and restore floor murals. The board closed the public hearing and will vote on the application at the August meeting.
Dr. John Dexter, executive director of the Heard Natural Science Museum, and Sean Kennedy of the museum team presented an exhibition‑hall renovation and a new indoor “bug abode” that would bring live insects, interpretive signage and restored floor murals to the museum.
Sean Kennedy said the total project cost is $193,000 and asked MCDC for $72,102 (about 30% of the total). Kennedy cited museum attendance projections — “we are projected in the year of 2026 to receive over 120,000 visitors” — and economic multipliers, quoting, “According to the American Alliance of Museums, for every dollar that's contributed to a museum, $2.20 is spent in all other economic sectors in the region.” A member of the public, Bill Cox, offered support during public comment. Because of a notice/posting issue for a separate item, the board closed the hearing and scheduled the formal vote on the Heard application for the August meeting.
