Bay Area Discovery Museum

The recent Executive Order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) poses a serious threat to museums across the country. IMLS funding supports vital programs, exhibits, and services that enrich communities — its loss would be devastating. The Bay Area has benefitted immensely from IMLS investments in the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Here are some of the dreams the IMLS has helped us actualize over the last twenty years: -In 2021, the American Rescue Plan grant supported the Try It Truck so we could continue serving schools affected by the pandemic with hands-on STEAM programs.? -In 2018, in partnership with Pacific Library Partnership, we trained librarians across the country to create environments and programs to prepare young children for school with our Reimagining School Readiness toolkit. ? -In 2018 the museum’s Try It Truck mobile engineering lab was brought to life with the support of IMLS.? -In 2014, the museum’s Center for Childhood Creativity was established to provide research-based professional development to PreK-5th grade teachers.? -In 2008, we partnered with Marin Head Start to design and prototype an outdoor learning environment to be located at a Marin Head Start center.? -In 2005, the “My First Museum” pilot program was created in partnership with the Cross Cultural Family Center to offer developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant curriculum and programming for families, caregivers, teachers, and schools of multicultural preschool-aged children throughout Marin. Please consider contacting your local elected officials to protect this essential agency and funding using these templates and resources: https://bit.ly/ProtectIMLS

? Tickets are now on sale for Discovery at Dusk! ? You're invited to leave the kids at home and discover, dine and mingle at Bay Area Discovery Museum on May 15, 6-9 pm ?? Proceeds benefit the museum’s access initiatives, ensuring more children in our community learn and grow through the power of play!? ? Learn more and reserve tickets at www.badm.org/dusk ?? ? Thank you to our Trailblazer Sponsors JPMorganChase Russell Reynolds Associates Sixth Street and TPG!

What a wonderful day of collaboration, conversation and community. Thank you Dr.?Kathy Hirsh-Pasek,?First 5 Marin Children and Families Commission?and brilliant educators, caregivers and changemakers for an inspiring discussion about the infinite possibilities and power of playful learning landscapes!

In partnership with First 5 Marin Children and Families Commission, we are honored to host a keynote and discussion with Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek about Playful Learning Landscapes! Dr. Hirsch-Pasek's Playful Learning Landscapes initiative?is transforming everyday spaces like sidewalks, bus stops and corner stores into hubs of playful learning and joy. We're grateful to have Marin First 5 as a partner in our community and to be working towards a world where every child in the Bay Area thrives through joyful learning. Tickets are free, space is limited, to RSVP email [email protected]. We hope you join us at Bay Area Discovery Museum, Thursday, March 13, 10-11:30 am.

We are grateful to have been a part of CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS Conference and honored to have received the Superintendent’s Award for Excellence in Museum Education, a joint award from CAM and the California Department of Education. The Try It Truck, our engineering lab on wheels brings hands-on learning to our community, making it possible for children all over the Bay Area to experience the joy of learning through play. ? Thank you to CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS, the California Department of Education, and our community of educators and families for making our mission possible! https://lnkd.in/gdMJNt5K

As we reflect on 2024, we celebrate what's possible when community comes together. Whether you visited the museum for the first time, renewed your membership or celebrated a birthday with us, you’ve played a vital role in ensuring every child in the Bay Area has access to play-based learning opportunities! Thank you. <3 Find the full FY24 Impact Report at the link below: https://lnkd.in/gQjc3V6U

Today is the day to support the organizations that spark joy and make meaningful differences in our communities ?? A gift to Bay Area Discovery Museum—no matter the amount—helps us create new exhibits, keep beloved favorites like Tot Spot and Bay Hall in kid-proof shape, and keep our creative spaces like Art Studios stocked for young creators. With your support, we can continue providing unforgettable play experiences that spark creativity, curiosity, and essential life skills for children across the Bay Area. Let’s continue discovering together! Make a gift today and bring joy to families all year at the link below ?? #givingtuesday https://bit.ly/4e98iP7

We are overjoyed and honored to share that our CEO, Kelly McKinley, will be a part of the #SXSWEDU2025 March session discussing, "The Untapped Learning Space: Children's Museums (in partnership with the Association of Children's Museums) with Thinkery, Arthur G. Affleck, III, Andy Bell, Jennifer Pace Robinson, MS ? Thank you for voting and making this space possible! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to #SXSWEDU2025

Thank you for joining us for a wonderful Goblin Jamboree 2024 ????What a treat to celebrate the spirit of Halloween and the joy of learning together! Together we raised over $244,000 to continue bringing joyful learning experiences to more Bay Area families. And there’s still time to be part of the magic ?? Make a gift at the link below to help us reach our fundraising goal and ensure every child has access to learning through play ?? https://bit.ly/4e98iP7 Thank you to our sponsors: Bloomberg, Clover Sonoma, Marin Community Foundation! ?

At Bay Area Discovery Museum, discovery is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re excited to share a fresh new look that celebrates this commitment. Our new logo, featuring a gear symbol, celebrates our commitment to playful, curiosity-driven learning. “This new look reflects our focus on engaging children in innovative and educational experiences. It’s simple, yet full of meaning.”?– Kelly McKinley, Chief Executive Officer