Creation Museum plans expansion
ASSOCIATED PRESS

PETERSBURG --The group behind a museum that focuses on the biblical account of creation plans to expand the facility in Northern Kentucky over the next year, focusing on programs for children. Answers in Genesis founder Ken Ham said that among additions to the Creation Museum will be kiosks aimed at kids and an outdoor playground.

The museum, which presents a literal interpretation of the Bible, has hosted more than 400,000 visitors since it opened last May. Officials hope to have 300,000 museum visitors in the next year.

Ham said the popularity of the museum in Petersburg has brought requests from other religious groups that museums be built in their cities. He said there are no plans to do so. "Once you've done one, it's easier to do another one," museum co-founder and spokesman Mark Looy said. "But we just opened this a year ago, and we're just learning how to operate it. Opening a second one is a dream way off in the distance."

In the meantime, Ham said the museum is consulting with churches throughout the country to build one-room displays that will serve as mini-Creation Museums.

Since crowds have been larger than expected, the museum has already added some extras, such as more walking trails and a petting zoo. It also introduced new programming, a children's reading program and theatrical performances. In the next year, there also are plans for an additional parking lot and an auditorium to host speakers and educational events, Looy said. There will be more rotating exhibits and butterfly and woodland areas near the outdoor gardens, he said.

Ham said his group wants to see people converted to Christianity, but wants to influence people directly, rather than challenge school boards to add creationism to curricula. "We want to challenge everyone's thinking. You never know what seeds you're sowing," he said.

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