PETERSBURG, KY.-Answers in Genesis (AiG) has raised the necessary $27 million in donations to cover the costs associated with the design and construction of the organization’s new Creation Museum and its displays. Located in the greater Cincinnati area, the high-tech 65,000-square-foot center, which will demonstrate the Bible’s authority in all matters including science, just opened to the public.

“We made a commitment to our amazing network of supporters – thousands of whom live 2,000 miles away on the west coast – that the Creation Museum would be open when we fully raised the $27 million for the building and its exhibits,” said Ken Ham, AiG co-founder and president. “We are thankful for their partnership in this one of-kind endeavor. At last, there is a quality, family-friendly place where parents can bring their children to learn the biblical viewpoint of the history of the world.”

According to Ham, AiG already has 8,500 charter members, which is in addition to tens of thousands of donors who have provided one or more gifts. Many supporters have also given of their resources or time by donating construction materials and volunteering their labor and skills.

AiG will employ an additional 80 employees to work in the Creation Museum. They are currently training in a variety of positions, from maintenance and housekeeping to bookstore and guest relations. Also, there are dozens of area volunteers who will be providing additional support throughout the museum, especially during peak periods.

In recent weeks, with the addition of so many new museum staff and the desire to generate more paid publicity for the museum, AiG has seen many supporters continue to donate to the museum project for funds needed above the $27 million construction price tag in order to completely fund every aspect of the project.

“We’re encouraged by the huge media interest the Creation Museum has generated in the United States and abroad before it even opens,” said Mark Looy, AiG chief communications officer and co-founder. “In fact, personnel from many of the networks and larger news outlets have already visited the site to interview ministry leadership and photograph the museum during the construction process.”