Fullerton Museum Center Association
FMCA Mission
The mission of the Fullerton Museum Center Association, a non-profit California corporation, herein after referred to as the Association, is to develop and coordinate multi-disciplinary exhibits and education programs in the humanities, history, cultural and fine arts, and sciences. As a liaison to businesses, community organizations, government agencies, and community members, the Association also develops financial and other resources to support and fund the museum’s exhibits, education programs, and the endowment.
FMCA History
In 1989 a diverse group of community members transformed an underutilized archeologic museum into a vibrant exhibition and cultural center in downtown Fullerton, California. An innovative contract with the City required the newly formed Fullerton Museum Center Association (FMCA) to provide art, history, science and cultural exhibits while the City took on responsibility for staffing and upkeep of the 1942 WPA-built former public library building. In 1996 the FMCA accepted oversight of the City’s Public Art program.
Three significant enhancements have propelled the institution to the center of community activity:
In 2000, the FMCA worked with the City to construct a downtown plaza adjacent to the Museum. It houses a weekly Farmers Market and a myriad of community activities, many of which are coordinated by the FMCA.
In 2006, the FMCA Board dedicated a permanent portion of exhibit space as the Leo Fender Gallery to honor a resident whose Fullerton-based operation produced world-famous electric guitars and other musical instruments. The changing exhibits are an international attraction, and enhances local awareness of this cultural touchstone in our city.
Most recently, in 2014, the FMCA expanded its efforts to the Fullerton Municipal Airport where exhibits, tours and educational programs promote the history and science of aviation.
The FMCA takes pride in longstanding relationships with many important local non-profit and educational institutions., including Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton College, the Sunrise Rotary of Fullerton, Muckenthaler Center, All the Arts for All the Kids, among others.
The FMCA are charter members of the yearly city-wide Day of Music celebration and the monthly Downtown Fullerton Art Walk. In addition to our in-house educational and art programs, we collaborate with All the Arts for All the Kids and provide instruction for classes in their Afterschool Arts Conservatory. We work closely with the Fullerton School District and offer free school tours to all of our exhibits. Cal State Fullerton partners with us for student internships and provides scholarly support on many exhibits.
Fullerton proudly promotes itself as The Education City. The FMCA strives to broaden the minds of our community members and enhance the available educational opportunities.
The board meets once a month on the third Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the Fullerton Museum Center.
Current Members
- Janet Buzan, President
- Mark Von Esch, Vice President
- Ray Campanelli, Treasurer
- Christine Buzan, Secretary
- Jim Ranii, Past-President
- Harmeet Chana
- Cheryl Richard
- Carol Henke
- Amy Koorstad
- Corky Nepomuceno
- Lorraine Turissini
- Evangelina Rosales
- Ahmad Zahra
- Bruce Chudacoff
- Dawn Simon
- Helen Cummings