NORWICH - The continued decline in educational funding at both the state and federal levels coupled with the cost of increased curriculum mandates often leads to the lack of funding that was once available for extracurricular activities like educational field trips that were common in schools of the past.
The Northeast Classic Car Museum, located at 24 Rexford Street, recently received grant money from two local foundations to be utilized for offsetting costs associated with transportation costs, museum admission and educational supplies.
Grants from the Greater Norwich Foundation and the Otis Thompson Foundation have made it possible for the Northeast Classic Car Museum to offer no-cost educational programming to area student groups. The funding is available to schools, home-school groups, BOCES classes and community student organizations.
Museum Executive Director Robert Jeffery said, “We cannot thank the Otis Thompson and Greater Norwich Foundations enough for their generous support of the museum, its mission and of our area youth. We look forward to serving many more student groups in the coming months.”
Added Jeffery, “Without the help from the two grant programs, we would not be able to offer this program to the area students.”
One organization that has recently benefited from the educational allotment was Norwich nonprofit The Place – members of which toured the museum free of charge Friday as part of their annual fall field trip.
The Place aids school aged children and families by offering low cost child care and educational programming after school hours or on days when school is not in session during the work week.
Rebecca Sands, Executive Director of The Place explained, “The Place has faced some financial challenges this year and unfortunately had to say good bye to a few programs.”
“Although I am new to The Place, I see a great deal of potential to develop the programs we have, as well as develop new programs to meet the needs of our youth and community,” Sands added. “The program that the Northeast Classic Car Museum has available is a great opportunity for us because it allows us to provide our youth with an enriching experience free of charge.”
Marty Kuhn, Marketing Coordinator at the Museum stated, “We at the Northeast Classic Car Museum are aware that local schools are in need of additional funding for activities that are educational. We want them to know and inquire about this program.”
“We hope to find more field trip opportunities like this in the future,” said Sands.
Kuhn indicated that any area educational groups interested in touring the facility should contact the Museum at 336-9696 ext. 103.