Waterloo, Iowa - The memory of a Waterloo man credited with helping thousands of young people each year is being recognized with an extraordinary learning opportunity for area youth.
The 100th birthday of R.J. McElroy – a legendary broadcaster and founder of the McElroy Trust – will be acknowledged by a week-long celebration in March at three of the state’s most interactive youth and family destinations: the Phelps Youth Pavilion, Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, and Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. The McElroy Trust provided significant support to the construction/start-up costs of these outstanding Waterloo attractions.
As part of this tribute to McElroy, the admission price for children and accompanying adults at each museum will be lowered to $1 throughout the week of March 15-21 (Monday-Sunday). To receive the $1 admission, adults must attend with a child. In addition, all three museums will be open extended days/hours during this week to give more visitors an opportunity to experience the hands-on wonder, discovery, and learning at each location. The Trust has also made arrangements with the Ramada in downtown Waterloo to offer special hotel rates throughout the week.
“Paying tribute to McElroy’s 100th birthday reminds us of one man’s incredible story of building a successful business from the ground up. It also fulfills McElroy’s last wish – to benefit deserving young people. The Phelps Youth Pavilion and Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum are new flagships for the Cedar Valley and symbolize the renaissance of downtown Waterloo. Both facilities offer first-class educational experiences for youth and adults,” noted Stacy Van Gorp, Executive Director of the R.J. Trust. “In their short existence, they have drawn thousands of guests from throughout the region. Providing kids with low-cost access to these amazing venues is a great way to honor McElroy’s business and philanthropic contributions.”
“The Grout Museum and the R.J. McElroy Trust have worked in partnership from the earliest days of the Trust. We’re excited to celebrate McElroy’s birthday by welcoming more people to our venues,” explained Cyd McHone of the Grout Museum District.
Hours at all three sites will be 9:00-5:00pm Monday through Saturday, and 1:00-5:00pm on Sunday. To schedule a group of children to attend, please call the Waterloo Center for the Arts (319-291-4490) or the Grout Museum District at (319-234-6357). For more information about the R.J. McElroy Trust and the participating “Dollar Days” destinations, visit www.mcelroytrust.org, www.groutmuseumdistrict.org or www.phelpsyouthpavilion.org.
|