Borough officials get early look at Bronx Children's Museum facility
Bronx Children's Museum welcomed twelve elected officials and representatives from the Bronx to its future home in the city-owned, former Powerhouse located within walking distance to Yankee Stadium today, to share its progress and express appreciation for their continued support. The honored guests were audience to a presentation of exhibits being developed for the Museum, followed by a walk-through of the space currently under construction.
Guests were greeted by Hope Harley, President of the Board of Directors followed by Executive Director, Carla Precht. Ms. Harley expressed her deep appreciation of all the support the City, New York State, and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation have shown to the Museum as well as the ongoing partnerships involved in opening the first children's museum in the Bronx. Ms. Harley said "We are delighted to have our elected officials and representatives on site to see our progress as well as our partners from NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and NYC Department of Design and Construction."
Session 1 attendees (From left to right): Karen Cacho, Senior Liaison for Councilman Fernando Cabrera; Carla Precht, Bronx Children's Museum Executive Director; Kevin Riley, Director of Community Relations for NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie; NYS Assembly Member Marcos Crespo; NYC Council Member Vanessa Gibson; Hope Harley, President, Board of Directors, Bronx Children's Museum; Jeanne Mulgrav, Member of Board of Directors, Bronx Children's Museum; Milli Bonilla, Chief of Staff, for NYC Council Member Diana Ayala; Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, Bronx Parks Commissioner, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation (Photo: Joseph Martin)
Session 2 attendees (From left to right): Anthony Jordan, District Director for Congressman José E. Serrano; Shayra Reyes, Community Liaison for Congressman José E. Serrano; Carla Precht, Executive Director, Bronx Children's Museum; Marricka Scott-McFadden, Deputy Borough President, BBP Office; Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, Bronx Parks Commissioner, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation; Marlene Cintron, President, Bronx Overall; Betty McCray, Director of Capital Programs, BBP; NYS Assembly Member Latoya Joyner; Hope Harley, President, Board of Directors, Bronx Children's Museum; Damaris Olivo, Communications Director, NYS Senator Jose M. Serrano (Photo: Joseph Martin)
Ms. Precht stated "Construction in our Parks-owned building is scheduled to be completed this fall with the new Museum space opening in early-2020. Currently operating "without walls", Bronx Children's Museum sees 15,000 Bronx residents annually through innovative mobile programming that engages children and adults in hands-on arts and science experiences and programs throughout the borough at community-based organizations, schools, shelters, libraries, parks and festivals. Once our doors are open, the facility will serve nearly 50,000 additional children each year."
Cheryl Bartholow, Principal at Argyle Design, Inc., a leading design firm of museum exhibitions, presented several conceptual designs and renderings of exhibitions focusing on water, nature, community and culture.
“Bronx Children’s Museum will be a beautiful addition to our Borough and I am particularly pleased that it will be located in my community and so close to so many of my constituents,” Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner said. “Highlighting the wonders of science, the creativity of the arts, and the diversity of our culture – the Bronx Children’s Museum is destined to be a place where children will learn about themselves and the home we all share in the Bronx.”
NYC Council Member Vanessa Gibson remarked, "After working on this project for so many years it was exciting to tour the site and see the Museum becoming a reality. The exhibits planned for the facility are unique and innovative. We are looking forward to this great addition opening in our neighborhood and the continued growth of the Bronx Children's Museum."
Officials and representatives in attendance were Kevin Riley, Director of Community Relations for NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie; NYS Assembly Member Marcos Crespo; NYS Assembly Member Latoya Joyner; Anthony Jordan, District Director, and Shayra Reyes, Community Liaison, representing Congressman José E. Serrano; Damaris Olivo, Communications Director representing NYS Senator, José M. Serrano; NYC Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson; Milli Bonilla, Chief of Staff for NYC Council Member Diana Ayala; Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, Bronx Parks Commissioner, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation; Deputy Borough President Marricka Scott-McFadden and Betty McCray, Director of Capital Programs from the Office of the Bronx Borough President; Marlene Cintron, President, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.
Also in attendance were Jeffrey Margolies, Andrew Hollweck, Michael Nastasi, Carlton Murray and Irene Alpert from NYC Department of Design and Construction.