The Children’s Museum in West Hartford said today that, despite the weak economy, it raised $478,000, or 25 percent more than goal, to fund outreach to schools and youth groups statewide.
Museum President and CEO Kevin Sullivan said corporate, community and state grants will fund science and nature education at the main West Hartford branch at 950 Trout Brook Drive and the  Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton,
Major corporate-based donors included The Hartford, TD Banknorth, Pfizer, Savings Bank of Manchester, and Travelers.
Other major support came from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and Ensworth Charitable Foundation, as well as grants from the State of Connecticut to support environmental education and elementary school science teacher training.