Imagine Childrens Museum

Programs: 1. Imagine children's museum is a 45,000 square foot facility in everett, wa that serves children ages 1-12 years and their caregivers. Imagine primarily serves families in snohomish county and the greater puget sound region, but each year the museum draws visitors from all over the u. S. And the world. Since opening in the current location in 2004, exhibits, programs and activities have served over two million people, more than 252,000 in 2017 alone. Imagine is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers; over 401 volunteers served over 4929 hours in 2017, several earning the president's volunteer service award.

continuation: the museum is three floors of interactive exhibits that are designed to promote family togetherness and educational enrichment in science, math, history and art. Social/emotional skills and physical abilities blossom through hands-on exploration and imaginative play. Immersive exhibit areas and enrichment classes are designed to develop academic and life skills-critical thinking, independence and self-confidence-in children of all abilities regardless of ethnicity, gender, cultural background, socioeconomic status or learning ability. One evening each month, imagine offers free access to ensure that all area families are given the opportunity to benefit from the exhibits and activities regardless of their ability to afford admission.

continuation: each year free admission night draws more than 10,000 visitors, and the past two years have shown that more than 65% come from low-income households. Discounted admission and free memberships, events and programs in the museum are other ways families are able to share in hands-on, playful learning. Imagine partners with school districts, childcare centers, social service providers and other nonprofits to bring playful learning opportunities to the community's most vulnerable citizens. Partnerships include working with caseworkers and family and military support centers to address a scope of emerging community needs. See schedule o for continuation. Primarily those needs include serving low-income, at-risk youth. A summer literacy program and afterschool science clubs in area schools are among the ways imagine works to provide educational enrichment and emotional support and guidance to those children in snohomish county who need it most. Imagine remains a unique resource for children and families in snohomish county. Although snohomish county has the third largest population in washington state, it does not boast the amenities of neighboring king county: a science center, zoo, aquarium and numerous museums. While it is an honor to be distinguished by numerous local and national awards, project collaborations and grant opportunities, the greatest reward comes from having created a children's museum that connects diverse people from throughout the community, bringing them together for a common cause-improving the lives of children. In 2017 imagine achieved american alliance of museums accreditation, the highest national recognition afforded the nation's museums. Accreditation brings recognition to imagine for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. Of the 33,000 museums in the us, just over 1,000 have earned the distinction of accreditation and fewer than 20 are children's museums. Imagine is proud to be the first accredited children's museum in the pacific northwest. The museum board of directors, along with a dedicated group of community professionals, were determined to solve the overcrowding issues. They began an in-depth study to assess the museum's options. After two years of extensive work, they determined that an expansion of the existing beloved museum is viable and presents a unique opportunity to address growth, while building on the initial investment. The museum expansion project involves the demolition of 4,000 square feet on the south end of the building. This area, along with the adjacent parking lot, will make way for a 44,000 square foot, four-floor addition. The four-floor expansion will provide much needed space including: a. Two floors of additional exhibit space b. One floor with educational classrooms for providing enhanced, expanded and new programs c. One floor for program and exhibit storage, and a shop for exhibit fabrication and maintenance d. Additional outdoor play spacethe projected cost of the museum expansion project is $21 million. Completion of the build-out is estimated to take place within 18 months of funds being raised.