Page 36 - 2024 Westchester County Economic Development Guide

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
Hudson River Museum
Where Children Play to Learn
With the support of the Westchester County and the BCW, the Westchester Children’s Museum offers a one-of-a-kind environment for creative, STEAM-based playful learning for kids of all ages. Here, Executive Director Thomas Sullivan, M.S.,Ed. offers updates about the museum, including its:
Child-driven philosophy.
All humans learn so much better when they are engaged and having fun and care about what they are doing. at’s
why we are a hands-on, interactive space where children are the drivers of the learning. is type of play learning pays unbelievable dividends, including emotional and social development, and self-regulation – things that are especially important in a post COVID-19 world.
Strong growth.
Just prior to the pandemic, the Museum undertook a major expansion and renovation that brought available programming space from 6,000 sf to over 20,000 sf. In 2023, we had just under 80,000 visitors, more than tripling from 25,000 the previous year. Our membership has doubled to 1,400. We are truly blossoming to be a resource for families in the region.
Amazing location.
For us, being located in Westchester is an incredibly exciting opportunity. Where we are placed is so important. Westchester Children’s Museum is located along the Long Island Sound, adjacent to Playland Amusement Park. Being neighbors with Playland is exciting and joyful for us and
our visitors.
Strong partnership with the County.
e Children’s Museum has been fundraising and remodeling with the help of the County. As part of its new Family Access Membership (FAM), which makes membership for qualifying families only $25 per year, the
County has been incredible partners. ey see the value of a children’s museum in terms of workforce development and our overall quality of life.
Innovative and expanding programming.
is new iteration of the Museum offers significant public programming. We offer free, daily drop-in programs
that are included with membership or daily admission. ese programs include Music and Movement and
Story Times; some special days are sponsored by our friends at ArtsWestchester. We also offer expanded
school programming aligned to school standards and can accommodate six classrooms per day. is, plus our 14 new exhibits, results in visitors who visit multiple times a week.
The Business Council of Westchester
I am grateful and truly honored that the Business Council of Westchester chose me as a 40 Under 40 awardee. I have also truly been honored by how incredibly collaborative and supportive the business community has been and how much e BCW offers its members. We are now offering our spectacular space as a rental for weekend events. e BCW has hosted networking events here. It’s so fun to see adults coming into the space and supporting the mission of Museum.
Support e Museum
Explore opportunities to support the Museum at www.discoverwcm.org/corporate-sponsorships.org.
© Courtesy of Westchester Children’s Museum
© Courtesy of Westchester Children’s Museum