The president and board of directors of the emerging Christian children’s museum Trek Thru Truth have announced new initiatives that will move the project closer to realization, including a new marketing effort and grant writing priorities.
The organization, led by Douglas B. Caywood, president, is pinpointing its efforts on fundraising and sharing the vision through partnerships with The Alderman Group marketing company and Michele Mummert, a grant writing professional.
“We are excited that these new elements will help get us closer to the goal of building the museum,” Caywood said. “Rob Alderman is a marketing professional who has elevated so many projects like Space Camp and Lee University and we are thrilled to be working together with him. Between his team, The Alderman Group, and the expertise of Michele Mummert, who has already provided valuable insights and vision, we are very excited at these next steps ].”
The Alderman Group, who has successfully helped fund Space Camp programs at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville as well as marketing campaigns for Gatorade, Porsche USA, The Church of God International Headquarters, and Chattanooga Football Club, will work with Trek Thru Truth to develop new campaigns to increase awareness of the museum.
“We are extremely excited to partner with Trek Thru Truth,” said Alderman. “There are many reasons why this project has local implications, but more than that, this museum has relevance for Christians across the globe. It’s going to be a place where the wonder and beauty of scripture meets the science and academics of education, and that’s an incredible thing.”
Michele Mummert, an arts integration consultant and grant writing professional, will give guidance to Trek Thru Truth on securing charitable grants for the project. Mummert has served as program coordinator at The Southeast Center for Education in the Arts, program director and grant manager for two significant US Department of Education Arts Education Model Development and Dissemination grants, and is currently an executive assistant and grant writer for the Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County.
“ I am excited to join in this remarkable endeavor, knowing that it will continue to impact future generations,” Mummert said. “I am inspired by the possibilities this transformative work brings to life through murals, music, drama, and cutting-edge technology. Bible teachings aligned with curriculum standards are academically relevant and captivating for today’s generation in a place where faith, culture, and wonder converge.”
As the new initiatives take effect, DeWayne Hamby, who has been serving as executive director since June, will transition to a role as a member of the board of directors and consultant.
“We appreciate the work DeWayne has provided in moving this project forward,” Caywood said. “We are grateful he will continue to offer guidance and assistance.”
Current plans for Trek Thru Truth include a 60,000 or more square foot facility housing 52 permanent interactive walk-through exhibits themed around familiar, as well as lesser known, stories from the Bible where visitors can use their senses to make the Word come alive. The museum will include multiple escape rooms including themes such as Daniel in the Lion’s Den and Jonah in the Belly of the Big Fish as well as a Moses in the Bullrush wading pool and a Zacchaeus-themed tree playground. Each exhibit will be grounded in scripture and creativity to create a memorable experience for guests of all ages. The project will also include a theater, meeting rooms, café, walking trails, a petting zoo, and temporary exhibit area featuring educational and topical Subjects such as “Bugs in the Bible,” “Transportation in the Bible,” “Professions in the Bible,” etc.
Trek Thru Truth, an emerging member museum in the Association of Children’s Museums, is being planned for the Cleveland area, which has been mentioned as one of Tennessee’s fastest growing cities. Nestled between Chattanooga and Knoxville and near the Ocoee River, the site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events, the museum is poised to be a go-to tourist destination for families and have a significant economic impact on the area.
For the past several years, the board has held galas and formed strategic partnerships with individuals and companies to build funds needed for the project. The next event is Trek Fest 2024, a festival-type fundraiser on November 2, 2024, at the Ministry Training Center on Keith Street. Artists, food vendors, and small businesses are invited to exhibit at the festival, which is expected to draw a crowd of thousands.
For more information or to get involved with a one-time, monthly or annual donation, visit trekthrutruth.com.
