The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates (PACF) and various advisors to PACF donor advised funds announced a total of $140,000 in grant support for Discovery World on Market, the new children’s museum scheduled to open in downtown Parkersburg in late 2022.

Support for the project came both from the Foundation’s general grantmaking funds and from recommendations by donors and committees connected with donor advised funds. Donor advised funds enable the fund creators to remain involved in recommending grants from their fund to support charitable projects.

Donor advised funds supporting the project include the Terrapin Park Advised Fund, created by the former board of the YWCA of Parkersburg, which is sponsoring the Animation Station exhibit; the Mary M. Welch Advised Fund, which is sponsoring the Factory Dress Up and Job Spinner exhibit; the Friends of the Parkersburg Day Nursery Fund, which is sponsoring the early childhood area; the Dave and Donna Warfield Fund for the Arts; and the Deem-Dyer Fund. The PACF also provided funding though its Community Action Grants Program from the Walter E. and Marie Ausenheimer Memorial Fund.

Discovery World on Market will offer children, youth, and families a variety of exhibits and learning experiences, focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). Renovations of the former Masonic Temple in downtown Parkersburg are underway.

“Discovery World on Market is a game-changer for our community,” said Marian Clowes, Associate Director for Community Leadership at the PACF. “Not only will it provide outstanding educational opportunities for children and families, but it also will be transformational for downtown Parkersburg and our local economy.”

“We are grateful for the financial support of PACF, the Terrapin Park Advised Fund, the Mary M. Welch Advised Fund, the Friends of the Parkersburg Day Nursery Fund, the Dave and Donna Warfield Fund for the Arts, the Deem-Dyer Fund and a grant from the Walter E. and Marie Ausenheimer Memorial Fund,” said Wendy L. Shriver, Executive Director of Discovery World on Market. “Discovery World on Market will not only bring a much-needed amenity to children and families but will also be an anchor development project in downtown.”

Pictured (left to right): Wendy Shriver, Discovery World on Market; Mary Anne Ketelsen, PACF; Tres Ross, Discovery World on Market; Bob Wright, PACF.