Spark! Children’s Museum of Montana has hired Jackie Worstell as its new executive director.

Worstell has experience in nonprofit management and private industry.

The C.M. Russell High School graduate led ZooMontana in Billings from 2006-2013 and served in the Air Force.

“I am excited to bring my varied experience to Spark! as I return to my hometown of Great Falls,” Worstell said in a release.

Children’s Museum has selected new location downtown

The museum board interviewed candidates for the position and Sarah Lautenschlager, board president said, “we are very excited for the experience and enthusiasm Jackie will bring to Spark! We believe she is the right leader to take Spark! to the next level in its new home.”

Spark!, previously known as the Children’s Museum of Montana, was created in 1997 by a grassroots effort led by local parents.

Spark! stopped operating at its prior location at 22 Railroad Square in November of 2024 and is currently in the permitting process for reopening in a new home at 201 2nd Ave. S. in downtown Great Falls.

In the meantime, the museum is holding a series of pop-up events across the community this summer, including:

• Aug. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lions’ Family FunFest in Lion’s Park, 2701 10th Ave S.
• Aug. 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the “Touch A Truck” event hosted by the Junior League of Great Falls on Central Avenue downtown

These pop-up events are free and open to all.

Children’s Museum closing current location while continuing search for new home [2024]

Follow Spark! on social media for updates on event locations and times.

For more updates, sign up for Spark!’s newsletter at http://www.sparkmt.org.

The museum is accepting donations to help with the purchase of the new forever home and to support operations.

Donation details can be found on the website or by calling the museum at 406-836-1436.