story by Kim Souza
ksouza@thecitywire.com
It’s been a decade in the making but the region’s first interactive children’s museum has announced an opening date and a new name in honor of Lee and Linda Scott and their family who were lead donors and early organizers of the facility.
The Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville is slated to open July 15, unlocking an imaginary world that bridges science, technology and local history in a hands-on format. Lee Scott is a former CEO of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
The nearly 50,000 square-foot children’s museum came with a $28.5 million price tag. Most of the cost is covered by donations from the Scott family and a $10 million matching grant from the Walton Family Foundation which was met with contributions from Walmart Stores Foundations, General Mills, The Hershey Company, Nickelodeon, the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Trust, Johnelle Hunt and Shelley and Doug McMillon. Those donations have the campaign at $26.1 million to date, according to Molly Rawn, communications director.
“We are almost to the goal and we are still taking contributions,” Rawn said at Tuesday’s (March 17) press conference in Bentonville.
The $28.5 million includes a $4.5 million endowment used to defray operating costs in the early years of the museum so that more of the revenue can be directed toward exhibits, according to Rawn. 
Sam Dean, executive director for the Amazeumm said it was fitting that the facility bear the Scott family name given that the idea for it was hatched around the dining table by Lee and Linda Scott and their daughter-in-law Elda Scott when her daughter Amelia was a baby. Dean joked that Amelia was the yardstick for the project which has take a decade to complete.
“It seems like forever,” Elda Scott echoed from the crowd.
Rawn also thanked the Scott Family for their continued support from day one of a grassroots journey to establish a children’s museum in Northwest Arkansas.
“Eric Scott, son of Lee and Linda, serves on the Amazeum board. His wife, Elda actively and ardently supports our efforts with volunteer service and connecting us in the community. Our board finds it most fitting to honor their gifts in this way,” Rawn said.
Lee and Linda Scott were not present at Tuesday’s press conference but sent the following statement: "We are honored to have an institution we care so deeply about be named for our family. We are so happy that we have been given the opportunity to give back to the Northwest Arkansas community, and we hope that our support of the Amazeum will inspire others to give,” said Scott. “We believe the exposure the Amazeum provides to science, technology, engineering, art and creativity will give children skills to draw on their entire lives. The Amazeum will add richness to the lives of children and their families in Northwest Arkansas."
WAL-MART EXHIBITS
Dean said Wal-Mart has an early signature sponsor. The global retailer provided a semi truck and trailer and delivered it to the site and disassembling it so the building could be erected around it. The truck was then put back together inside the facility and the standard trailer will be reassembled and attached n the final days before opening.
He said Wal-Mart is sponsoring a “market” exhibit at the museum that will allow
guests to not only “shop” for produce and groceries, but also don aprons and work behind the butcher counter or in the bakery. Additionally, they will be able to serve other guests in the café or play the role of cashier.
Dean also said artist Matthew Moore, who was featured in Crystal Bridges’ landmark exhibit “State of the Art,” is contributing to the “market” exhibit. His time-lapse photography of crops growing will be installed among the produce in the market. Guests will be able to use a dial to speed up, slow down or reverse the growth process. Dean said the goals of the exhibit is connect young explorer to the source of food.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Amazeum memberships are now available ranging from $95 for a family of four up to a $1,000 Explore membership that includes household members, guest and babysitter passes with other perks. All the membership levels include:
• Unlimited entry;
• First look;
• Special members-only hours;
• Discount of birthday parties; and
• Free entry at over 350 science museums across the country.
Daily rates have not yet been released.