The Peoria Riverfront Museum was packed Tuesday with government officials such as Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-17), Congressman Darin Lahood (R-18), and Democratic Senator Dave Koehler for a public officials appreciation day.
While officials praised what the Riverfront Museum does for the community, museum CEO John Morris announced that East Peoria schools will be added to the Every Student Initiative program.
The program is a curricula-based program that helps bring students, kindergarden through eighth grade, to the museum to learn.
“We are the only museum of art, science, history, and achievement in the country,” Morris said. “The only one with the four pillars of a multidisciplinary mission, all cylinders focused on releasing the full talent and genius of every individual”.
Morris said adding East Peoria schools to the program is because of a sponsorship from John Graham and Associates.
Mike Graham, President of John Graham and Associates, said they believe the Riverfront Museum is one of the great things that central Illinois has to offer.
“We also believe in the concept of investing in our future, and investing in our youth,” Graham said.
Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis said that the museum is important to the city, and to the kids as well.
“They are our future leaders, they’re the ones who we have to make sure understand the importance of facilities like our city museum,” Ardis said.
East Peoria public schools District 86 Superintendent, Tony Ingold, said they want to give the opportunities.
“We think what is offered here at the museum is a great opportunity for our students. And the fact that it’s tied to our curriculum and our instruction,” Ingold said. “As far as I’m concerned, these are the kinds of opportunities we need to be providing for our students”.
