NEWS RELEASE For immediate release
Explorium of Lexington
Contact: Deanna McDaniel: (859) 258-3253
marketing@explorium.com

Explorium Names New Executive Director
May 22, 2008

LEXINGTON, KY - Explorium of Lexington, the only children’s museum in the Bluegrass, has appointed Michael Gilmore as its new executive director.

Gilmore has many years of management in not-for-profit organizations. Most recently, he worked for the Frazier International History Museum in Louisville, Ky., serving as Vice President. His responsibilities there included educational programming, exhibits, community relations, group sales, marketing and historical interpretations.

“We are delighted to have Mr. Gilmore at Explorium,” said Viki Young, president of the board of directors. “He brings a wide spectrum of expertise that will strengthen Explorium’s strategic planning, finance and administration, fundraising, and communications.” Gilmore was the unanimous choice of both the selection committee and the board of directors after a nine-month national search.

Since 1990, Explorium has offered a fun, hands-on learning environment to inspire the imagination of Kentucky’s families. Its permanent discovery centers include:

• Brainzilla – all about the human brain
• Wonder Woods – a Kentucky-based natural area for toddlers
• Homes Around the World – examples of living situations from around the world
• The Fuller Projection Map – the most accurate, proportional map of the world
• Dinosaurs as Natural Wonders – featuring Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops skulls
• Doctor Kids Clinic – where kids get to be the doctors
• Just Buggin – an entomology exhibit with live insects.
• Sun Wise Oasis – illustrating sun-smart behaviors
• Hold Your Horses – all about the Horse

“Lexington loves Explorium,” Gilmore said. “The staff and I are working to create a better version of Explorium. I have a vision of Explorium not only as a children’s museum, but as a resource for the whole community. Explorium can be a leader in the culture of a vital downtown Lexington.”

Children’s Museums are the fastest growing type of museum in the country and are unique among museums for the large number of interactive exhibits and educational programming presented to visitors.  In 1987, a group of inspired citizens presented the idea of a children’s museum to Lexington Mayor Scotty Baesler and then-future Mayor Pam Miller. With the assistance of Lord Cultural Resources, a consulting firm in Toronto, the city began serious planning for Explorium. The site selection committee considered several sites and chose the current location in Victorian Square. Since first opening its doors in 1990 Explorium of Lexington has hosted more than a million visitors.

Explorium of Lexington is a success with both children and adults. Museum attendance averages 85,000 visitors annually, and serves an additional 10,000 with outreach activities in the community. As the only children’s museum in the state, Explorium serves a much broader area than just Fayette County and has hosted guests from across Kentucky, across the nation, and even other countries.

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Explorium of Lexington

Creating a Fun and Dynamic Hands-on Learning Environment
that Inspires Imagination and Curiosity

Explorium of Lexington is located in Victorian Square at Main and Broadway with its main entrance on Short Street. Free validated parking is available in Victorian Square Garage.

Normal Operating Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm & Sunday 1 to 5pm

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