Our view: Saving the Met is a worthy goal

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August 10, 2007

Saving the Children's Metamorphosis museum would be a boon to downtown Derry as well as the family and children who enjoy "the Met." We're glad to see the Save the Met campaign off to a good start thanks to the efforts of the museum staff, concerned adults and a corporate sponsor.

The Met announced in July that it would close Aug. 31 citing financial difficulties. The museum, which features educational exhibits, programs and workshops for children, has been at 6 West Broadway since 2002. The Met is a tenant of Derry Depot Square Holdings, the private, for-profit arm of the Derry Economic Development Corp.

The Met moved to Derry from Londonderry in 2002, which helped boost membership from 300 to a peak of 800 families. The museum draws visitors and members from across southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.

But the nonprofit has had difficulty paying the loan it took to renovate the space at 6 West Broadway to meet its needs. Fundraisers, silent auctions and sponsorships had not been bringing in enough to keep the museum running. The Met has not been making full payment on its $3,000 monthly rent, according to Jack Dowd, executive director of the DEDC.

Almost as soon as the Met announced its impending closing, supporters began rallying to help. A "Save the Met" campaign was launched and donations began flowing in.

The biggest donation so far comes from Stonyfield Farm. The Londonderry yogurt maker has pledged $10,000 over three years to help with the museum's operating expenses. The money will also fund a new exhibit aimed at educating kids about organic farming.

The Save the Met campaign seeks to raise $50,000 by Aug. 31 to cover short-term debt and avoid eviction. The group is seeking longer-term support for its exhibits and operations.

Saving the Met is a worthwhile effort. The museum draws about 30,000 visitors a year to downtown Derry. It's the kind of destination that helps other businesses nearby.

The Met has been a centerpiece for Derry downtown since it opened. We hope the effort to save it is successful.