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Raleigh, NC (4/2/09) — Benjamin Franklin coined the saying, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Marbles Kids Museum and the North Carolina Bankers Association (NCBA) believe there is a lot to learn from this simple phrase. Coinciding with National Financial Literacy Month, the two organizations are kicking off their partnership to develop fun ways to provide such learning through a new permanent museum gallery focused on this very timely topic. The gallery is set to open January 2010, underwritten by a grant from the NCBA.

The NCBA believes strongly that educating young children about how money works can build healthy financial behaviors that last a lifetime. “Given the factors underlying today’s economic downturn, nurturing healthy money habits seems more important than ever,” said Thad Woodard, NCBA President and CEO. “Engaging youngsters in purposeful play and discovery at Marbles Kids Museum will play a key role in our efforts to develop financial literacy skills for the next generation.”

“The new gallery will also help open lines of communication about money between kids and parents, an important first step in creating positive behavior yet often a difficult subject for parents to talk about,” said Sally Edwards, president of Marbles Kids Museum. A preliminary gallery plan developed by museum staff, NCBA members and elementary educators includes exhibits that focus on concepts such as needs versus wants, spending versus saving and how money grows just like you.

Students from across the state visit Marbles Kids Museum for interactive field trips that complement classroom learning. The new gallery will build on financial literacy concepts taught from kindergarten through fifth grade. Pre- and post-field trip activities will help students get the most out of their museum visit, and teachers and parents will be able to access additional activities and resources online.

About Marbles Kids Museum
Marbles Kids Museum isa hands-on,minds-onmuseum that inspires imagination, discovery and learning through extraordinary adventures and larger-than-life IMAX^® experiences. Located in downtown Raleigh, Marbles offers dozens of creatively themed exhibits, daily programs and activities, field trips, camps, birthday parties, giant screen IMAX films and special events.Exhibits are designed for children under 10 and their families. To learn more, visit www.marbleskidsmuseum.org.

About the North Carolina Bankers Association
The North Carolina Bankers Association (NCBA) brings together all categories of banking institutions to best represent the interests of this rapidly changing industry. The NCBA has served all North Carolina banks since 1897. For more information, visit www.ncba.com.

For More Information Contact:
Deidre Albert
Marbles Kids Museum
919.857.1085
dalbert@marbleskidsmuseum.org

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