Frequently Asked Questions
Contents:
- General Information
- Museum Management, Board, and Officers
- Planning
- Sponsorship and Donations
- The Building and Location
General Information
What is the Mission of the WOW Science Museum?
"The Mission of the World of Wonders Science Museum is to offer hands-on science-based exhibits and programs to stimulate discovery for all ages."
What is your address?
Mailing: PO Box 1671 Woodbridge, CA 95258
Location: 2 North Sacramento Street, Lodi, CA 95240
What is your Tax ID Number?
20-3075595. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Museum Management, Board, and Officers
Who's Idea Was it? How did it Start?
Dan Ingrum, of Downtown Lodi's Danz Jewelers, visited the Exploratorium with his family in 2004. He immediately knew this was something Lodi had to have, and brought the idea to his Lodi Rotary Club. Everyone was behind it, and immediately a Steering Committee was developed which formed the Board of Directors and bylaws. In 2006 the WOW received the 501(c)3 non profit status.
Who is Making this Happen?
The Board of Directors consists of Dr. Kathryn Beckman, Jay Bell, Randall Blank, Jerry Fry, Barbara den Hartog, Dan Ingrum, Wally Sandelin, Kathy Wooton and Walt Wolterstorff.
The Officers are Sally Snyde (President), Mark Chandler (VP), Nancy Hauan (Treasurer), and Christina Wilson (Secretary).
Our Student Advisory Board consists of Michael den Hartog, Holly Rankin and Tyler Sandelin.
Some of our dedicated volunteers include David Diskin (Website), Mike Smith (Engineering), John Barkley (Legal), Dave Smith (Exhibit Chairperson) and Chris Madill (Project Manager).
Who will staff the Museum?We will utilize a combination of paid staff and volunteers. At the beginning we will be relying heavily on volunteers and as the need grows we will add more paid staff as necessary. We have had many active and retired teachers saying they would like to volunteer. We will also be working with local high schools and colleges where students can volunteer for class credits.
Planning
Have you signed a contract with the City yet?
We have a signed lease option with the City of Lodi.
What are the terms of your rental contract with the City of Lodi?
The rental agreement between the WOW Science Museum and the City of Lodi will commence on February 2009. All of the tenant improvements in the building at 2 North Sacramento Street in downtown Lodi will be completed by funds collected from individual and corporate donations. The WOW is now looking for local building companies to donate a portion or all of their expertise to complete the TIs.
We are delighted to be working with the City and thank them for their interest in the museum while recognizing the benefit we will bring to the Lodi community through increased tourism and tax revenue.
Sponsorship and Donations
How much do you need?
Our current business plan calls for a million dollar capital campaign before we open our doors. This includes the building improvements, exhibit acquisition, advertising, staff, office furniture and equipment, and other expenses.
Where Will Funds Come From?
We are very proud to say that we are not funded through tax dollars. In fact, all of our funding will come from corporate and individual donation, grants, sponsorships, retail sales, membership, and of course ticket sales.
Who are your Charter Elements?
They are individuals or businesses who were the first to donate $1,000.00 or more and believed in the vision of the WOW.
How can I Help Support the WOW?
We would love to have your support. Please visit our How to Help page for more information.
The Building and Location
Why Downtown Lodi?
Our close proximity to the Lodi Transit Station will help schools bring their children to the WOW. Schools and families can use Amtrak, Greyhound, or local and regional busses to visit us. And there's also plenty of parking since the building is located under the parking garage! Being centrally located, it is also a perfect location to service the families of California’s Central Valley and Foothills.
How Large is the Building?
The entire building is roughly 12,000 sq ft, with 800 planned for retail sales and 1000 planned for a hands-on classroom. The space will include room for a few offices and storage, but will have room for 30-40 exhibits.
How Many Students Will Access the WOW?
The Department of Education reports over 400,000 students enrolled (in just public schools) within less than an hour's drive to Lodi. This includes communities such as Elk Grove, Galt, Stockton, Modesto, Tracy, Merced, Calaveras County, Tuolumne County, and Amador County.
Where are the Exhibits coming from?
We are partnering with the Exploratorium in San Francisco through ExNet. This will provide us with approximately 30-35 exhibits which will rotate annually. We will also be adding some permanent exhibits.
When will you open?
We are anticipating opening the doors to the World of Wonders Science Museum late summer 2008.