A Museum for All

Introduction

On any given day at the Museum of Science, the lobby is sure to be filled with excited, wide-eyed kids who can’t wait to be let loose in the Exhibit Halls. When a child enters 1 Science Park, there is always something new to spark their imagination and inspire them to dream big. Experiences like a Museum visit can have a profound formative impact on a child, sometimes even setting them on the path to a STEM career.

But for some children, a day at the Museum is out of reach, and these young minds miss out on opportunities their peers take for granted. The Museum strives to break down barriers prohibiting access, and ensures that children from all backgrounds have the opportunity to experience its magic.

In the past year, hundreds of previously underserved kids have gained unparalleled access to the Museum. They always been committed to expanding their reach into the community, and a new partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) has set out to serve a deserving group: the Commonwealth’s foster children and their families.

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A Powerful Partnership

The Museum and DCF joined forces through the Wonderfund, a private Massachusetts charity that seeks to provide enrichment and joy to children involved with DCF. This powerful partnership has allowed the Museum to offer broad access, including free admission for every child in foster care across the state and their families.

The experiences provided by this partnership are critically important for DCF-engaged children and families. “Many of our children who enter foster care have endured profound loss, trauma, and abuse,” says Wonderfund CEO Erin Murphy Rafferty. “These special kids deserve the chance to play, dream, and grow—to experience the magic and wonder of childhood. I can’t think of a place as fun and inspiring for them as the Museum of Science.”

For kids who have endured hardships, fun is more important than we might imagine. Meeting their basic needs is paramount, but it’s also crucial that they have opportunities to play. The Museum has long recognized the effectiveness of play as a teaching tool and has developed many of its exhibits and offerings with fun in mind, making its outreach to foster children particularly fitting. According to one foster parent: “Our visits make special memories for our kiddos who have had to experience so many negative times in their lives. They can be kids and enjoy the magic of the day.”

The program kicked off with a special event on May 5, 2018. DCF commissioner Linda Spears and Massachusetts First Lady Lauren Baker—who serves as vice chair of the Wonderfund—welcomed foster families to the Museum and announced the partnership. Hundreds of visitors filled the Exhibit Halls and enjoyed free admission as well as special programming.

Baker personally greeted families at a Lightning! presentation in the iconic Theater of Electricity before joining in the show—she and former Museum president Ioannis Miaoulis ascended in the theater’s faraday cage to be zapped with lightning. The kick-off event was such a success that an additional overflow day had to be scheduled; over 1,000 people attended the two events!

Remarkable Results

Admission began officially in July of 2018. More than 2,000 families have enrolled since the program’s creation last year. It’s clear how much this program has broadened access to the Museum—90% of enrolled families have no prior relationship to the Museum through memberships or other meaningful engagements. For many of these children, this is the first time they have experienced STEM concepts in the unique atmosphere of the Museum.

As the second year of the program approaches, the Museum is preparing to offer free lifetime memberships to the families who have taken advantage of the program most frequently. In addition to the perks afforded to all Museum members—free admission, bonus passes, exclusive events, early registration for programming, and more—a membership ensures a permanent benefit for families who are accustomoed to unpredictability,

While the program focuses on foster children, family-driven outreach is at its heart. Every child in a participating family, whether fostered, adopted, or biological, receives the benefits of the partnership. The emphasis on discovering the Museum as a family adds a special element of unity and connection that is desperately needed by all members of a foster household.

“Thank you for giving our family experiences we will never forget,” says a participating parent. “Memories of our kids’ time at the Museum will be unforgettable and will also give them the courage to try new things in other parts of their lives.”

The Museum of Science is committed to offering transformative experiences to as many visitors as possible, especially those who have historically been left out of the global conversation around science and technology. The Museum, DCF, and the Wonderfund are hopeful that, through their partnership, the state’s foster children will have the opportunity to add their voice. It is only through the incredible generosity of donors that the Museum can so effectively reach this community. With their continued support, this partnership can grow and offer even more to deserving families in our state.

For more details about eligibility for this partnership and how it works, please visit wonderfundma.org.