Discovery Playhouse

The Discovery Playhouse, Cape Girardeau's children's museum, is an organization on the rise.

The museum's director, Jennifer Mullix, announced recently that she will be leaving to pursue educational interests.

She'll leave behind a growing organization that is supported by an active board, including Jeff Brune, president; Clifton Brooks, vice president; Debbie Simmons, treasurer; Jackie Wortmann, secretary; and Victoria Moon, Robert Rutty and Terry McDowell.

Just one example of the positive swell mounting for the playhouse was this year's FUNdraiser, which attracted more than 300 people and raised more than $25,000. A year earlier, 80 people attended and about $10,000 was raised.

A long list of financial supporters have helped fertilize the enterprise, including corporate and individual sponsors of specific exhibits. Some of the newer exhibits include a farm-to-market learning exhibit called Grandma Ruth's Farm, in memory of Ruth Schomberg and sponsored by Dori Lage; and the Southeast HEALTHy exhibit that allows children to play the roles of doctors, nurses and new parents. Recently, the museum has hosted a traveling museum exhibit called Alice's Wonderland that was previously on display at the Magic House in St. Louis and donated by the San Jose Children's Museum free of charge.

Since opening on Broadway in the spring of 2010, thanks to the tireless efforts of a group of volunteers, the children's museum has surpassed attendance and financial goals.

Mullix brought a lot of energy and know-how to the Discovery Playhouse. As a result, the next director will be poised to take this Broadway jewel to new heights.