Mission:
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To stimulate curiosity and motivate learning in children by providing interactive exhibits and programs.
History:
On a vacation to Gulfport, Mississippi in 1997 Carla Johnson and her family went to a recently opened children's museum. Her visit inspired her to open a children's museum in the Metro East area. Two years later in 1999, after consulting with local leaders and beginning fundraising, the first Edwardsville Children's Museum Board of Directors meeting took place.
Exhibit plans, location search, grant writing and fundraising took place over the next few years culminating the the grand opening of the Edwardsville Children's Museum on February 1, 2003. (A formal grand opening was held in June of 2003)
In 2014 the museum was faced with the possibility of having to close its doors.The community came together and raised over $100,000 in 9 months in order to keep the Edwardsville Children's Museum operating smoothly for many years to come! Without the incredible contributions from our community we would not be open today. The overwhelming support we have had only further reinforces our mission: "To serve the needs and interests of children by providing exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity and motivate learning."
Today the museum receives vistors from all over the Metro St Louis region. We offer programming for newborns through 12 years of age including baby sign language, preschool playgroup, story time, summer camps, girls scout workshops, birthday parties and much much more. We are always updating our exhibits and programming, be sure to stop by and see what's new!
