Partnership Spotlight: Hancock Lumber

Hancock Lumber CMO Erin Plummer, CMTM Director of Development Mariah Healy, and CMTM Visitor Program Associates Nolan & Joey in CMTM’s MakerSpace.

Partnership Spotlight: Hancock Lumber

We're serious about play at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Each day, we strive to provide children with enriching experiences that ignite their imaginations and inspire a love for learning. Finding exceptional community partners who believe in our mission and the power of play is essential to ensuring that experiences and tools that lead to creative exploration are made possible—partners like Hancock Lumber, a long-time CMTM supporter and community advocate.

Empowering Through Making

Our WoodWorks area offers a hands-on introduction to woodworking and craftsmanship and has long been a favorite among young visitors. With workbenches, tools, and wood sourced directly from Hancock’s lumberyards, children can learn how to use various hand tools under the guidance of our MakerSpace staff. From screwdrivers and drills to hammers and saws, each day in WoodWorks is filled with new discoveries and creative projects. WoodWorks is a wonderful example of how two organizations can work together to offer creative and empowering experiences for young people. And our partnership continues to grow.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Hancock Lumber team for their ongoing support and creative philanthropic spirit, which truly hits the nail on the head! Their dedication enriches hands-on tactile experiences for young learners, including our new Art for Tots program. Partnerships like (this one) help create the building blocks for a lifetime of discovery and play.”

— Julie Butcher Pezzino, Executive Director, Children's Museum & Theatre Of Maine

Sustainable Crafting at MakerSpace

In addition to woodworking, our MakerSpace exhibit is a hub of creativity, offering a diverse range of materials for children to explore. From classic art supplies like crayons and glue to specialty materials like fabric and wire, MakerSpace encourages experimentation and innovation. We prioritize using recycled materials such as cardboard, newspapers, bottles, and found objects to uphold our commitment to sustainability. However, replenishing these supplies adds up and is a considerable ongoing expense. With Hancock Lumber's support, we can ensure that MakerSpace remains well-stocked for the thousands of visitors who pass through our doors each month.

Hancock Lumber CMO Erin Plummer in CMTM’s MakerSpace.

Nurturing Young Artists through Art for Tots

In the fall of 2023, CMTM launched a new series of programming designed specifically for children ages two through five. One of the highlights of this series is Art for Tots. This program introduces young children to different artists and artistic styles while helping them develop essential social-emotional skills. With our team's guidance, children can explore various techniques and mediums, creating pieces inspired by renowned artists' works.

To help ensure the program's success, Hancock Lumber came alongside CMTM as an official sponsor of Art for Tots. From fabulous new red aprons to critical art supplies, Hancock Lumber's generous support helps to ensure CMTM can continue to provide enriching experiences that inspire young minds and spark a lifelong passion for learning. Together, we're building a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, one craft project at a time.

Thank You

Thank you, Erin and the entire Hancock Lumber team, for your years of partnership and for being a true partner in play. We can’t wait to see what we build together next!