Children are naturally curious. They color outside the lines, dig in the garden and get into all kinds of trouble in their never-ending search for answers. We are glad about any opportunity to indulge and take advantage of that trait in any positive way possible.

We are glad to see that the Children's Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent plans to reopen. The museum is a place for Crossroads kids to explore and indulge their natural curiosity through creative exhibits.

The museum closed Sept. 1 of last year for reorganization. The museum typically closes every year around that time for cleaning, but last year there were other circumstances that resulted in a longer closure, including the museum's need to find a new director. At the same time, the museum learned that the housing situation is going to change.

For the past 10 years, the Junior League of Victoria has allowed the museum to use the building rent-free. In September, League President Lynn Gisler said the league plans to sell the building and the adjacent lot in order to meet financial goals. That means the museum will need to buy the building or pay rent to whoever chooses to purchase the property. The museum remained closed for several months as the board examined their options.

According to Amy Mundy, a sustainer of the Junior League, the league has supported the museum "whole-heartedly" since it was established. The League has provided the museum with trained volunteers and several grants on top of the free housing over the past 10 years. But the league is not intended to provide indefinite support for community organizations.

"The League is in the business of starting organizations and then turning them into self-sustaining organizations," Mundy said. She emphasized the museum has had 10 years of support, which should be plenty of time to prepare for the next step in becoming self-sufficient. Mundy has taken her own children to the museum many times and loves what it offers to the community.

We applaud the Junior League for all the assistance it has given to the Children's Discover Museum and the Victoria community over the years. We are glad to have such involved, committed women serving and leading our community. The decision to allow the museum to remain in its current location rent-free for 10 years has influenced and inspired children across the Crossroads.

We would like to see the museum continue to provide a safe, enjoyable learning environment for children to explore. As the League looks into selling this property, we encourage it to work with potential buyers to ensure the museum is given ample time and notice to transition once the building is sold. We hope the League will allow the museum to buy the building, if at all possible.

Above all, we are glad to see the museum open again and hope it will touch the lives of many more children. Whatever decision is made concerning the building, we hope the museum can endure and succeed for years to come.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.

• • WHAT: Valentine's Day Light Exhibit Opening

  • WHEN: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday

  • WHERE: Children's Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent, 204 N. Main St.

  • COST: $10 suggested donation

  • NOTE: Adults only; alcohol will be present