From left, Krista Easton demonstrates an element of the KidsStage permanent exhibition to Sebastian Mazzotta and Michael and Barbara Maresca. Photo by Fonda Photography.

CANTON -- The North Country Children’s Museum received funding offers of more than $60,000 at a recent “adult friendly” “Founders Circle” event at the Litengard Bed & Breakfast.

The featured exhibition was “KidsStage Music and Performance” by Krista Easton, St. Lawrence Central School, and Kimberly Busch, Canton Central Schools.

The interactive preview explored African drumming techniques and the unique sounds of a theremin.

Project updates and funding announcements were made, including a $50,000 commitment by Michael and Barbara Maresca to fund KidPower, an exhibition to promotes health for families through collaborative fitness and nutritional experiences. The family of Cintia Hongay and Omar Stradella also provided an $11,000 gift for the science playground, a permanent space about exposure to environmental issues, sustainability practices and how they personally fit into the ecosystem of the North Country.

“We thank the entire community for their extraordinary support of our project with a special thanks to our Founders Circle members who are leading the way towards transforming the educational landscape of our community. To date, this amazing group has contributed $192,000 for design and development of the permanent exhibition spaces,” said Sharon Williams, president, board of directors at the museum.

Designed as a learning lab, the museum will feature 10 permanent exhibition spaces with interactive experiences.

Scheduled to open in fall 2015, the museum will be housed in a landmark building in downtown Potsdam.

For more info.: Melissa Wagner Telford at wagnermia@aol.com or visit www.northcountrychildrensmuseum.org.