The American Presidents Museum, operated by the nonprofit educational organization the National Center for Presidential Studies, will partner with Target to create educational and fun programs designed to bring young visitors to the museum.

Grant monies will be used for educational development of programs, supplies for hands-on activities, and the addition of interactive displays within select exhibits, all under a program “Kids in the Museum.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have received national recognition from Target for our efforts,” said Stormy Lynn Snow, executive director of the museum, and founder of the educational center. “Equally as important as their generous contribution of the $2,000 grant is the credibility this award gives our efforts.”

The grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given five percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts and safe families and communities. Today that translates to $3 million every week.

“At Target, we are making a real difference every day through our grant-making program,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with American Presidents Museum and the National Center for Presidential Studies as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

Additionally, Target gives through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Programs include:

• Take Charge of Education®, a school fundraising program
• Target Field Trip Grants, a program that helps educators bring learning to life for students through the distribution of grants
• Ready.Sit.Read!SM, a program dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of reading in children
• Target House®, which serves as a home away from home for families of children receiving life-saving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in Memphis
• Target Volunteers, a program where Target team members and retirees annually donate more than 315,000 hours of time to more than 7,000 community-based projects

About American Presidents Museum

The American Presidents Museum is a collection based around American history and the history of the American Presidency. From the Oval Office to eras of history, visitors travel the growth of our nation and the leaders that have paved the way.

In addition to a magnificent collection of artifacts and dozens of exhibits, the American President Museum offers numerous youth based programs including Home School Days; Ben’s Book Club – a reading club for grades K-8; Merit Badge University, programs for Scouts and a full calendar of special events and activities.

Having just celebrated is first year; the museum currently occupies temporary space at 2849 Gretna Road, in the former Majestic Steakhouse Building, while establishing a building fund to raise capital for a full educational center and museum campus.

“As a nonprofit educational center and museum, we rely heavily on grants and corporate donations for our funding. We hope that this is a stepping-stone to a long road of support from the community and businesses across Southwest Missouri,” said Snow. “Our biggest challenge is finding a permanent home.”

The American Presidents Museum is open daily Monday – Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and welcomes young visitors at no charge for general admission with paying adults, in an effort to encourage more area families to take advantage of the many programs offered. For more information about the museum and its programs, visit their website at www.americanpresidentialmuseum.com.