Following a recent contribution, several members of the Larry H. & Gail Miller family visited the Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point to tour the exhibits, experience the unique educational offerings, and learn about current initiatives within the venue. The visit underscored the family’s commitment to enhancing community spaces that inspire curiosity, learning, and exploration for people of all ages.

The visit was inspired by a recent $325,000 donation made through the Miller Legacy Project, a next-generation giving initiative of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. This gift, contributed by 21 Miller grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, was sparked by a family member’s visit to the museum with her own children. That personal experience ignited a shared vision to support the renovation and enhancement of the infant and toddler area, ensuring it provides an enriching and engaging environment designed for the museum’s youngest visitors.

“I’ve loved visiting the Museum of Natural Curiosity from the time my first child was a baby. Every time I go, I’m reminded of the power of exploration and discovery, especially for young children. The energy at the museum is inspiring and we saw an opportunity to enhance it even further,” said Alyssa Wardle, a third-generation Miller Family member. “Our family is excited to support a space that will spark curiosity and joy for kids and their families. We hope our efforts will create lasting memories and a continued love of learning.”

Through this multigenerational commitment, the Miller family hopes to support Thanksgiving Point’s vision of fostering wonder and lifelong learning. During their visit, the family connected with Thanksgiving Point representatives to discuss the scope and potential of the project, which will expand the Museum of Natural Curiosity’s capacity to engage infants, toddlers, and their families in meaningful, developmental play.

The Miller family is honored to support Thanksgiving Point’s community outreach efforts, recognizing the Museum of Natural Curiosity as an invaluable resource, a space for families, educators, and community members alike. The forthcoming renovations aim to create an immersive, safe, and engaging space that will spark a love of learning in the museum’s youngest visitors and contribute to Thanksgiving Point’s legacy in community enrichment.

Construction for the project will begin in July 2025 and will be completed in phases, finishing in December 2026.