By Kevin B. Sullivan
Mission: The mission of The Children’s Museum is to be a recognized, respected and creative leader in science and nature education for younger children, families and teachers by engaging discovery and sustaining scientific awareness through hands-on and fun programs, activities and exhibits.
Background: The Children’s Museum in West Hartford and its Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton attract 210,000 younger children and families every year.
The Children’s Museum includes one of America’s oldest preschools as well educational outreach to other preschools and early childhood programs. For children up to age 12, the museum is a model of what the National Research Council calls “the vital role of informal science education.” Its programs uniquely combine science and nature related field trips, classes, exhibits and vacation camps as well as an extensive Wildlife Sanctuary and a state-of-the-art science dome digital planetarium and theater. Roaring Brook Nature Center adds a focus on natural science and conservation as well as acres of outdoor woodland, fields and ponds.
The Children’s Museum continues to expand science education outreach to schools and youth groups throughout the state. All of its educational offerings are fully aligned with Connecticut’s state science standards. This summer will mark a new beginning in teacher professional development efforts with a telescope and astronomy program for elementary school educators funded through the state’s Department of Higher Education.
The Children’s Museum is also developing plans and a capital campaign for relocation to a new home in West Hartford within the next five years.
Mayor Fundraiser: A Child’s World on May 9 and current annual fund campaign.
Volunteer Needs: High school students, college students and adults to work in guest relations, education, animal care, technology and marketing.
Leadership:
President and CEO: Kevin Sullivan;
Consulting COO: Don Williams;
Finance Manager: Gail Bruhn;
Board Chair: Elaine McDonald
Contact Information:
The Children’s Museum
950 Trout Brook Drive
West Hartford, CT 06119
(860) 231-2824
www.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org
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Kevin B. Sullivan is president and CEO of The Children’s Museum. He previously led The Learning Corridor initiative as a vice president at Trinity College as well as served as Connecticut’s lieutenant governor and state Senate president pro tempore.
