Museum recognizes Kochs

The fundraising drive for Evansville's Downtown children's museum is blowing the top off the lofty goals it set for itself, and the foundation named for the late Louis and Clarice Koch is a big reason why.

During an evening reception loaded with major announcements, officials with the Hands on Discovery Children's Museum said the Koch Foundation has contributed $500,000. It's the museum's largest private donation to date.

In response, the Hands on Discovery board of directors has voted to recognize the Koch family in a new name for the museum, which will be announced soon.

"I can't think of a greater family name to be associated with this institution," said Vectren Corp. President Niel Ellerbrook, co-chairman of the fund-raising campaign.

Louis Koch, who along with his two brothers founded George Koch Sons in 1903, and his wife raised nine children. They have 160 living relatives, and those who attended Thursday's event at Vectren received a standing ovation after Ellerbrook announced the donation.

"I just want to say how happy and proud we are," said David Koch, a great-grandson of Louis and Clarice Koch.

David Koch said the museum, which is to open later this year, will "inspire our children to learn more about themselves, their community and the world in which we live."

Renovations at the museum site, which is the former Central Library location at 22 SE Fifth St., are about 50 percent complete. Ellerbrook said the fund-raising drive's initial goal was $4 million, but it has raised $5.074 million from corporations, foundations and individuals.

It was also announced Thursday that the city is issuing a second "challenge grant" to the museum - a promise of $90,000 if the museum raises that amount on its own. The city's share, like earlier city financial commitments to the museum, would come from Casino Aztar lease payments.

Museum Executive Director December Warren said the city was approached to provide more help when about $360,000 worth of unanticipated costs were discovered.

Those issues deal with security, safety and access in the 75-year-old building, Warren said.

She said contractors will be adding a third staircase, ramps for the disabled and fire-protection devices.

Warren also gave the reception audience some new details about what the museum will offer when it opens its doors. She said it will have several interactive exhibits designed to stimulate creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The museum "will be smaller than Indianapolis' and some other facilities, but it will be no less in quality," Warren said.