Case Study: The Brand New Besser Museum
The Besser Museum transformed 3,000 sq. ft. of outdated exhibit space into a modern, interactive, family-friendly regional history experience.
The Besser Museum in Alpena, Michigan is dedicated to providing the public with enriching cultural experiences through art, history, and science exhibits, inspiring curiosity, fostering community pride, and cultivating personal legacy.
In 2024, they raised $37,435 from the community, unlocking an extra $35,000 match from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places program. These funds were the final touches needed to complete the new $1.8 million Discover Northeast Michigan History Exhibit, transforming 3,000 square feet of previously outdated space into a state of the art exhibit and wholesome experience for community members of all ages to enjoy.
The Discover Northeast Michigan History Exhibit takes visitors from the Big Bang to Big Industry, providing opportunities to learn about Northeast Michigan's rich heritage in a stimulating, immersive environment that inspires curiosity and fosters community pride. It is designed for multiple levels of engagement, from the littlest learners to lifelong learners, enhancing the social, cognitive, and emotional development of both young and old alike.
The Discover Northeast Michigan History Exhibit is be the only museum experience of its kind within a 150-mile radius of Alpena, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the interconnection of the region's natural resources and historic events that shaped those communities, and honoring the heritage of the Anishinaabe of Northeast Michigan.
“We were really impressed with the new Discover Northeast Michigan History Exhibit! We are so fortunate to have an experience like that in our community. My kids really liked the interactive pieces, and we all couldn't stop looking at the Alpena table map. I so much appreciate the hands-on interactive approach.” – Sarah Bedford, local parent
Project Details
- Project: The Brand New Besser Museum
- Project Type: Museum/Community Center
- Project Location: Alpena, MI
- Crowdfunding Raise: $37,435
- Crowdgranting Match: $35,000
- Patrons: 54
- Leveraged Funding: $1,720,000
- Total Project Estimate: $1,790,000
The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan successfully installed 11 new exhibits, including:
- Ice Age climbable wall
- a milkable cow
- a spinning Earth wheel and spinning galaxies
- 43 discovery drawers filled with artifacts
- 5 animal scat and tracks discover boxes
- 5 realistic fabricated tree species
- a digitally animated Michigan map table featuring the history of Michigan from the 1500s to 1855
- 3 audio stations
About Public Spaces Community Places
Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) is a crowdgranting partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This initiative provides matching grant funds to eligible projects that improve public spaces in the state of Michigan. Projects can receive a matching grant of up to $50,000 if they reach their crowdfunding goal.
Thriving places help define a community’s economic vitality. From bike trails and pocket parks to public sculpture projects, public spaces contribute to a strong quality of life, help attract and retain talent, and strengthen local economies. Public Spaces Community Places is dedicated to building vibrant communities.
