The Gift of Free Membership:

Visits to Discovery Museum - particularly repeat visits - can be foundational for kids' development. The Museum donates free memberships to under-resourced families, including those impacted by incarceration or homelessness, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable populations.

$221 gives one membership to a family in need

Traveling Science Workshops in Every Classroom:

Early access to hands-on science helps kids have confidence in their abilities and deepens their understanding of the world around them, which can open pathways toward lifelong learning and STEM careers. Our skilled instructors provide free or discounted hands-on science workshops to students in PreK-8th-grade classrooms in traditionally under-resourced schools.

$300 brings hands-on science to one classroom

Student Materials for Traveling Science Workshops:

Each student in a TSW receives a set of hands-on materials to use to explore that workshop topic, be it Sound, Force & Motion, Physical Changes and Mater or another of our 23 MA curriculum-aligned topics.

Common household items such as coffee filters, string, paper cups, erasers, and wire hangers show students that science exploration is right at their fingertips! We use more than 14,000 paper cups each school year!

$75 supplies one grade with science workshop materials

Instructor Kits for Traveling Science Workshops:

When our Traveling Science Workshops instructors visit classrooms, they bring an Instructor Kit filled with specialized tools and materials such as magnetic field boards, levitating magnets, and liquid nitrogen dewars. We need to create 20 new kits to both accommodate growing demand and to replace worn out tools.

$1800 creates one new kit for instructors

Books Celebrating the People in Our Community:

Ensuring every child can see themselves represented in our galleries contributes to a welcoming and inclusive Discovery Musuem. We are seeking to add new books to our galleries that celebrate the diversity of our communities.

$150 updates the Museum's book collection

daVinci Workshop Materials:

Tinkering in daVinci Workshop lets imaginations soar - and allows children to build essential STEM skills and learn valuable lessons about perseverance and the process of discovery. We restock our enticing materials monthly - everything from ribbons to dowels to circuits and conductive thread.

$100 stocks our da Vinci workshop for a month

Creating a Supportive Community:

Discovery Museum hosts welcoming, inclusive, and supportive special events for foster families, families with children who have disabilities, LGBTQIA+ families, grandparent primary caregivers, and others. Connecting Families builds stronger, more empathetic communities.

$1000 covers the expense of hosting one free event

Free Friday Night Admission:

Every Friday night in summer and on the first Friday evening of each month during the school year, the Museum remains open for free for all visitors. For many families, this is the only time they can visit. We serve 25% of our audience for free or nearly free each year.

$3200 funds one Friday night of free admission for all

Play Kits for Vulnerable Families:

Our staff-designed, curated play kits, which include Discovery Museum curriculum translated into several languages, puts the Museum's expertise and playful learning experiences into the hands of some of the most vulnerable families, like those impacted by incarceration or living in emergency shelters.

$250 buys a play kit with translated instructions

School Field Trips for All:

Were it not for school field trips and the unique learning experiences they provide, many children would never have the opportunity to visit Discovery Museum. We discount the cost of field trips to allow as many students from under-resourced schools as possible to come play with us.

$500 funds a field trip for one group

Nature and Environmental Education:

Outdoor exploration supports learning, development, health, and mental wellbeing, among other benefits. Connecting children with nature can also inspire children to become responsible environmental stewards. We offer fun and inspiring staff-led outdoor explorations year-round.

$50 provides a nature-based program to kids and caregivers