Even before the museum doors open in 2015, the Westchester Children’s Museum is delivering quality educational enrichment programs to children across the region.
Even before the museum doors open in 2015, the Westchester Children’s Museum is delivering quality educational enrichment programs to children across the region. The Museum Without Walls provides interactive art and science programs to elementary school-age children, primarily in a variety of community centers and childcare centers.
In less than four years, since the launch of the program, Museum Without Walls has reached 11,000 children, ages 2 to 12, with more than 15 programs per week and growing as the program expands to include more sites, including schools and libraries.
Programs are funded by corporate, foundation, and individual donations. Leadership support from Wells Fargo as well as Rye’s Nan and Lear Beyer, a Managing Director of Wells Fargo, enabled the program to get off the ground and continue to grow. Lear Beyer has been a member of the WCM Board of Directors since 2007.
For school-age students, experiments range from unraveling the mysteries of DNA to building model solar cars. Arts and music programs delve into issues of cultural diversity, history, and local traditions. Many activities are conducted with kids enrolled in afterschool programs at local community centers.
“The opportunities available during afterschool hours help to shape children’s knowledge, their world view, and ultimately their future,” says Tracy Kay, WCM Executive Director. “While we are in the midst of fundraising to build the bricks and mortar Westchester Children’s Museum, we do not forget that our mission is to provide vibrant educational experiences to children that need it most and that will open their minds to the world around them.”
Programs are conducted in partnership with more than 40 community organizations across the region, including the Carver Center of Port Chester; the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Rochelle, Greenwich and Northern Westchester; and YMCAs in Rye, White Plains, and Tarrytown. The education programs are developed and conducted by a team of 16 educators and career professionals in the arts, sciences, and early childhood education.
