SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Credit unions across Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula are teaming up to support a new children’s museum designed to give local families an educational and affordable place to learn and play.
Soo Co-op Credit Union, U.P. State Credit Union, Tahquamenon Area Credit Union, Detour Drummond Community Credit Union, 4Front Credit Union and Limestone Financial Credit Union have jointly funded the Credit Union Exhibit at the forthcoming Soo Locks Children’s Museum, according to the Soo Leader.
The museum, under development for more than a decade, is being built in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, one block from the historic Soo Locks. Organizers say the project aims to fill a longstanding gap in indoor, family-friendly activities across the rural and remote region.
“The EUP, with its beauty and history, is also rural and remote, with very few indoor entertainment options,” Darcy McLean, president of U.P. State Credit Union, told the Soo Leader. “The nearest children’s museum is three hours away, leaving many families — especially the one in five who are underserved — without affordable, safe and engaging places to go. The Soo Locks Children’s Museum will fill that gap.”
Financial Education Focus
According to the report, the jointly funded Credit Union Exhibit is designed to introduce children to money management and the role of credit unions through interactive play. Young visitors will be able to experiment with budgeting, saving and basic financial choices, while the museum will also offer financial education programs for adults.
“This project is a powerful example of the cooperative spirit that defines credit unions,” Lynda Ellis, president and CEO of Soo Co-op Credit Union, told the Soo Leader. “By working together, we can make a meaningful and lasting difference for the families we serve.”
Community Investment Taking Shape
The museum will serve as a year-round destination for families when completed, with organizers expecting it to enhance both local quality of life and tourism, the Soo Leader reported. A volunteer committee has spent the past 10 years raising funds, designing exhibits and renovating the space.
15 Exhibits Completed
Fifteen exhibits have already been completed, including a wall-sized Great Lakes display featuring shipwrecks, navigation maps and information on native and invasive fish species.
“We’re proud to partner with the Children’s Museum to help create a place where every child can learn through play, dream without limits and build a lifelong love of discovery,” Sheena Andrzejak, regional branch manager at 4Front Credit Union, told the Soo Leader.Construction is ongoing, and no opening date has been announced.
