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The Woodlands Children’s Museum Earns Grant from National Endowment for the Humanities

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THE WOODLANDS, TX – Families will be able to enjoy a new virtual tour of The Woodlands Children’s Museum and online storytimes through new funding received from Humanities Texas and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The funding, totaling $5,200, is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 and supports projects at museums, libraries, and other nonprofit organizations that have suffered losses as a result of the pandemic.

woodlands children's museum grant 2020
The Woodlands Children’s Museum recently received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities to create online resources. Pictured are Angela Colton, Executive Director, and Jennifer Kraus, Sponsorship Coordinator for the museum.

“As a leader on the CARES Act, I’m pleased to see funding go directly to important organizations in the Eighth Congressional District of Texas,” stated U.S. Representative Kevin Brady. “This grant money will help The Woodlands Children’s Museum provide online resources to children and families who are unable to visit in person, and will help promote arts and learning across our community.”

The Woodlands Children’s Museum was one of only three children’s museums in Texas to receive the funding. The emergency relief funds were awarded to organizations that administer humanities programs and that have a significant impact within their communities, as well as a demonstrated need due to COVID-19.

 

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“We are thrilled to receive this award and to be able to continue supporting children in our community with additional online resources,” stated Angela Colton, Executive Director. “This is such a challenging time for parents and young children. We want to be able to give them something familiar and positive to look forward to and the grant will be a big help.”

Grant funds will be used to expand the museum’s Storybook Theatre and Shadow Puppet Theatre virtual programming. The storytimes are typically offered in-person at the museum each week. During recent months, the museum began posting online recordings to help support families while at home. Over two dozen storytimes are available on the museum’s website at
www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org/recorded-storybook-theatre-with-miss-jan and are shared on social media.

Recorded Storybook Theatre Woodlands Children's Museum 2020
Ms. Jan reads children’s books for the museum’s recorded storybook theatre.

With the additional funding provided through the grant, the museum will be able to purchase much needed equipment and supplies. Music, finger plays, felt board sets, and new puppets will be included, along with several new books related to humanities topics.

The museum will also use funding to develop a virtual tour of the museum. This will allow current members to re-visit their favorite exhibits from home and also let new guests know what to expect during their visit. Several new exhibit pieces have recently been added or will be added in the weeks ahead, including a new play café, reading nook and lighthouse, and a new set of custom-made train tables.

 

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“Virtual tours can be a wonderful way to introduce or re-familiarize a child with a new experience in order to ease anxiety and foster excitement,” stated Colton. “This will also be a great new at-home resource for families to explore together.”

Additional information on museum hours and programs can be found at
www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org. Admission to the museum is $7 per person age 1 and older, or free with an annual membership.

The Woodlands Children’s Museum, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was founded out of a desire to meet the community’s proven need for and a positive environment where children and their families can learn, play and make special memories throughout the year.At the museum, fun and learning go hand in hand, whether children are creating art, singing along to a musical performance or conducting a science experiment. The museum also has made it a priority to bring children multi-ethnic and multicultural experiences that celebrate cultural and global differences and strengthen common bonds. Programs frequently are delivered in partnership with other nonprofit organizations, always with the goal of making a positive difference in the life of a child. For more information, visit www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org.

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