Explore Learning At The Children's Museum Of Maine | Engage & Discover

What is the Children's Museum of Maine?

The Children's Museum of Maine is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing hands-on learning experiences for children and families.

The museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs that are designed to engage children in learning about science, art, and culture. The museum also has a strong commitment to community outreach, and offers programs and services to children and families in underserved communities.

Children's Museum of Maine

Importance and Benefits

• Provides hands-on learning experiences for children
• Engages children in learning about science, art, and culture
• Has a strong commitment to community outreach

History

The Children's Museum of Maine was founded in 1987 by a group of parents and educators who were concerned about the lack of hands-on learning opportunities for children in the state.

The museum opened its first location in Portland, Maine, in 1989. In 2002, the museum moved to its current location in South Portland, Maine.

Exhibits and Programs

The Children's Museum of Maine offers a variety of exhibits and programs that are designed to engage children in learning.

Some of the most popular exhibits include:

• The Science Discovery Center, which features hands-on science exhibits
• The Art Studio, which offers art classes and workshops
• The Maine Farm, which features live animals and a petting zoo

The museum also offers a variety of programs, including:

• Summer camps
• After-school programs
• Family programs

Community Outreach

The Children's Museum of Maine has a strong commitment to community outreach.

The museum offers a variety of programs and services to children and families in underserved communities.

These programs include:

• Free admission for children from low-income families
• Transportation assistance for children and families who live in rural areas
• Outreach programs that bring museum exhibits and programs to schools and community centers

Children's Museum of Maine

The Children's Museum of Maine is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing hands-on learning experiences for children and families.

• Educational: The museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs that are designed to engage children in learning about science, art, and culture.
• Interactive: The museum's exhibits are all hands-on, allowing children to learn through play.
• Fun: The museum is a fun and inviting place for children to learn and explore.
• Community-oriented: The museum has a strong commitment to community outreach, and offers programs and services to children and families in underserved communities.
• Historic: The museum was founded in 1987, and has been a part of the Maine community for over 30 years.
• Award-winning: The museum has been recognized for its excellence, and has received numerous awards, including the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
• Accredited: The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, which means that it meets the highest standards of museum practice.

These seven key aspects make the Children's Museum of Maine a valuable resource for children and families in Maine. The museum provides a fun and educational environment where children can learn and grow.

Educational

The Children's Museum of Maine is an educational institution that provides hands-on learning experiences for children and families.

• Science Discovery Center
  

  The Science Discovery Center is a hands-on science exhibit that allows children to learn about science through play. The exhibit features a variety of interactive exhibits, including a water table, a wind tunnel, and a magnet wall.

• Art Studio
  

  The Art Studio is a space where children can create art and learn about different art techniques. The studio offers a variety of art classes and workshops, including painting, drawing, and sculpture.

• Maine Farm
  

  The Maine Farm is a live animal exhibit that features a variety of farm animals, including cows, pigs, and chickens. The exhibit also includes a petting zoo, where children can interact with the animals.

• School Programs
  

  The Children's Museum of Maine offers a variety of school programs that are designed to supplement classroom learning. These programs include field trips, workshops, and outreach programs.

These are just a few examples of the many educational exhibits and programs that the Children's Museum of Maine offers. The museum is a valuable resource for children and families in Maine, and it provides a fun and educational environment where children can learn and grow.

Interactive

The Children's Museum of Maine is committed to providing hands-on learning experiences for children. All of the museum's exhibits are designed to be interactive, allowing children to learn through play.

There are many benefits to hands-on learning. Research has shown that children learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. Hands-on learning allows children to explore and discover at their own pace. It also helps them to develop problem-solving skills and creativity.

The Children's Museum of Maine offers a variety of hands-on exhibits that are designed to appeal to children of all ages. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Science Discovery Center, the Art Studio, and the Maine Farm.

The Science Discovery Center is a hands-on science exhibit that allows children to learn about science through play. The exhibit features a variety of interactive exhibits, including a water table, a wind tunnel, and a magnet wall.

The Art Studio is a space where children can create art and learn about different art techniques. The studio offers a variety of art classes and workshops, including painting, drawing, and sculpture.

The Maine Farm is a live animal exhibit that features a variety of farm animals, including cows, pigs, and chickens. The exhibit also includes a petting zoo, where children can interact with the animals.

These are just a few examples of the many hands-on exhibits that the Children's Museum of Maine offers. The museum is a valuable resource for children and families in Maine, and it provides a fun and educational environment where children can learn and grow.

Fun

As a children's museum, providing a fun and inviting space is paramount to its success. The Children's Museum of Maine understands this and has made it a priority to create an environment where kids can feel comfortable, engaged, and eager to learn.

The museum's exhibits are all designed to be hands-on and interactive, which allows children to learn through play. This makes learning enjoyable and helps to keep kids engaged. The museum also has a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, which provide additional opportunities for kids to have fun and learn.

The Children's Museum of Maine is a valuable resource for families in the community. It provides a place where children can learn, play, and socialize in a safe and supportive environment. The museum's commitment to fun and engagement makes it a popular destination for families and a cherished part of the community.

Community-oriented

The Children's Museum of Maine is committed to providing access to all children and families, regardless of their background or financial situation. The museum offers a variety of programs and services that are designed to reach underserved communities.

• Free Admission for Low-Income Families
  

  The museum offers free admission to children from low-income families. This ensures that all children have the opportunity to experience the museum's exhibits and programs.

• Transportation Assistance
  

  The museum provides transportation assistance to children and families who live in rural areas. This makes it possible for children from all over Maine to visit the museum.

• Outreach Programs
  

  The museum offers outreach programs that bring museum exhibits and programs to schools and community centers in underserved communities. This allows children who may not be able to visit the museum to experience its offerings.

The Children's Museum of Maine's commitment to community outreach is a vital part of its mission. The museum believes that all children deserve the opportunity to learn and play, regardless of their circumstances. By providing free admission, transportation assistance, and outreach programs, the museum is making it possible for all children in Maine to experience the joy of learning.

Historic

The Children's Museum of Maine was founded in 1987 by a group of parents and educators who were concerned about the lack of hands-on learning opportunities for children in the state. The museum has been a part of the Maine community for over 30 years, and has played a vital role in the lives of countless children and families.

The museum's historic roots are an important part of its identity. The museum's founders were pioneers in the field of children's museums, and they helped to create a model for other children's museums around the country. The museum's historic exhibits and programs reflect the changing history of childhood in Maine, and they provide a valuable glimpse into the past.

The museum's commitment to community outreach is also a reflection of its historic roots. The museum's founders believed that all children deserve the opportunity to learn and play, regardless of their background or financial situation. The museum's free admission policy and its transportation assistance program ensure that all children in Maine have the opportunity to experience the museum's exhibits and programs.

The Children's Museum of Maine is a valuable resource for the Maine community. The museum's historic roots, its commitment to hands-on learning, and its focus on community outreach make it a unique and special place. The museum is a place where children can learn, play, and grow, and it is a place where families can come together to create lasting memories.

The museum's historic roots are also a source of pride for the community. The museum is a reminder of the community's commitment to education and to providing opportunities for children. The museum is also a symbol of the community's changing demographics and its growing diversity.

The Children's Museum of Maine is a historic institution that is an important part of the Maine community. The museum's commitment to hands-on learning, community outreach, and historic preservation make it a valuable resource for children and families.

Award-winning

The Children's Museum of Maine has been recognized for its excellence on numerous occasions, including receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This prestigious award is given to institutions that have made significant contributions to the field of. The Children's Museum of Maine is one of only a few children's museums to have received this award.

The museum's award-winning exhibits and programs are a testament to its commitment to providing high-quality learning experiences for children and families. The museum's exhibits are designed to be interactive and engaging, and they cover a wide range of topics, including science, art, and culture. The museum also offers a variety of programs, including workshops, classes, and special events.

The Children's Museum of Maine's awards are a reflection of its dedication to providing a fun and educational environment for children and families. The museum is a valuable resource for the Maine community, and it is a place where children can learn, play, and grow.

Accredited

Accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is a prestigious designation that indicates that a museum meets the highest standards of museum practice. The AAM's accreditation process is rigorous and involves a self-assessment, a peer review, and a site visit. Museums that are accredited by the AAM must demonstrate that they meet certain standards in areas such as collections management, exhibitions, education, and governance.

• Collections Management
  

  Accredited museums must have a well-documented collections management policy that outlines how the museum acquires, cares for, and exhibits its collections. The museum must also have a qualified staff that is responsible for managing the collections.

• Exhibitions
  

  Accredited museums must have a well-developed exhibition program that includes a variety of exhibitions that are designed to engage and educate visitors. The museum must also have a qualified staff that is responsible for developing and installing exhibitions.

• Education
  

  Accredited museums must have a well-developed education program that includes a variety of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages. The museum must also have a qualified staff that is responsible for developing and implementing educational programs.

• Governance
  

  Accredited museums must have a well-developed governance structure that includes a board of directors that is responsible for overseeing the museum's operations. The museum must also have a clear mission statement and a strategic plan that outlines the museum's goals and objectives.

Accreditation by the AAM is a valuable asset for a museum. It demonstrates that the museum meets the highest standards of museum practice and that it is committed to providing a high-quality experience for visitors. The Children's Museum of Maine is proud to be accredited by the AAM, and it is committed to continuing to meet the highest standards of museum practice.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Children's Museum of Maine

The Children's Museum of Maine is dedicated to providing hands-on learning experiences for children and families. Here are answers to some common questions about the museum.

Question 1: What types of exhibits does the museum have?

The museum has a variety of exhibits, including:

• Science Discovery Center
• Art Studio
• Maine Farm
• Waterfront Discovery Center

The exhibits are designed to be interactive and engaging, and they cover a wide range of topics, including science, art, culture, and history.

Question 2: What are the museum's hours and admission fees?

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is $15 for adults and children over 1 year old. Members and children under 1 year old are free.

We hope this information is helpful. Please visit our website or contact us at info@cmom.org for more information.

Conclusion

The Children's Museum of Maine is a valuable resource for children and families in Maine. The museum offers a variety of hands-on learning experiences that are designed to engage children in learning about science, art, and culture. The museum also has a strong commitment to community outreach, and offers programs and services to children and families in underserved communities.

The museum's exhibits and programs are designed to help children learn and grow. The exhibits are interactive and engaging, and they cover a wide range of topics. The museum also offers a variety of programs, including workshops, classes, and special events. These programs are designed to supplement classroom learning and to provide children with opportunities to explore their interests.

The Children's Museum of Maine is a place where children can learn, play, and grow. The museum is a valuable resource for the Maine community, and it is a place where families can come together to create lasting memories.