POTSDAM — Casella Waste Systems Inc. recently donated $1,000 to the North Country Children’s Museum on Raymond Street.

The museum is in the process of a major second story expansion which will cost around $3.5 million when complete.

The museum has raised more than $3 million of its project cost goal.

The expansion will double floor space to 7,000 square feet, with the second floor being largely geared for children 8 to 12 years old.

Planned exhibits include a downsized Amish cottage, a maple tree climber with a bubble lookout at the top through the roof, a sound lab in partnership with the Akwesasne community and Crane school of music.

The museum, which now occupies the first floor of the “Red Barn” at 10 Raymond Street, features interactive exhibits focusing on STEAM concepts, environment, art and local culture.

NCCM draws about 20,000 visitors a year, which includes thousands of children who visit on field trips, BOCES students, college interns in academic programs, college professors, parents and senior citizens as well. About 40,000 annual visitors are projected once the expansion work is complete.

To learn more about the museum and how you can contribute towards the expansion visit www.northcountrychildrensmuseum.org/second-floor-expansion .