Red Dog Children’s Museum, an initiative started by Trevor and Jenny Hands of Graden City to increase entertainment/education options for young children and families, recently received $7,000 from the Kansas Tourism Attraction Development Grant program.
Red Dog Children’s Museum is one of 21 projects across the state that received nearly $600,000 in the latest round of Tourism Attraction Development Grant funding, bringing the total awarded this fiscal year to more than $1 million, according to a news release. The new grants will support 32 communities through 21 projects aimed at developing new or enhancing existing tourism attractions across the state.
“Tourism continues to be a powerful driver of economic growth for communities of all sizes — and we’re committed to supporting as many attractions as possible,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said in the release. “These grant initiatives are extremely effective strategic investments that not only enhance the visitor experience, but also create more jobs, support small businesses, and strengthen community pride.”
Through the grant program, Kansas Tourism will inspire travel, enhance the state’s economy and elevate unique community experiences across the state. The program is designed to provide communities across Kansas with financial backing and continue improving the state as a top tourism destination.
The Hands initiated plans for the Red Dog Children’s Museum in 2022, got their non-profit status in 2023 and that same year received an initial grant from the KDOC program for $28,000 that helped them build their first mobile museum exhibit.
Over the past two years Red Dog Children’s Museum has set up at 25 events throughout the 19 county southwest Kansas region, bringing hands-on learning opportunities in a fun and playful atmosphere to area children.
Jenny Hands said the goals are to provide early learning opportunities, increase kindergarten readiness and highlight the unique qualities of southwest Kansas. The name “Red Dog” refers to the bison calves that formerly roamed the area and their red-orange hue of their hides.
The exhibits are developed with a variety of themes. All are interactive, hands-on experiences built upon the notion that kids learn best through activities that incorporate play.
Jenny Hands said the museum has received support from a variety of community entities. The KDOC has been the largest grant provider so far and the second grant will go toward phase II of the project – securing a physical location for the museum. However, she stressed that even with a physical location, Red Dog Children’s Museum will still be taking its mobile exhibits on the road as well.
Those interested in bringing the Red Dog Chilidren’s Musuem to an event can contact the Hands through the Red Dog Children’s Museum website at www.recm.org where they will find more information about the museum and an online event request form. Hands said the museum can also be found and contacted through its Facebook page at facebook.com/reddogchildrensmuseum.
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