Flint Children's Museum
Encyclopedia
Flint Children's Museum in Flint
, Michigan
was inspired by a visit to a Washington D.C. children’s museum
in 1979. Local educator Mary Newman began Flint Children's Museum.
Located on the campus of Kettering University at 1602 University Ave. (Formerly Third Ave.) in Flint.
An anonymous gift in 1990 created the Mary Newman Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. That fund, named for the museum’s founder and first Executive Director, has since grown to over 1 million dollars, and the proceeds from that fund continue to provide support for the museum.
The current facility was donated by Kettering University
, designated to house the Children’s Museum through a long-term lease. The Museum has been operating at this location since 1993.
Flint, Michigan
Flint is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is located along the Flint River, northwest of Detroit. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the 2010 population to be placed at 102,434, making Flint the seventh largest city in Michigan. It is the county seat of Genesee County which lies in the...
, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
was inspired by a visit to a Washington D.C. children’s museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
in 1979. Local educator Mary Newman began Flint Children's Museum.
Located on the campus of Kettering University at 1602 University Ave. (Formerly Third Ave.) in Flint.
Background
In 1980, a hands-on antiques and crafts exhibit for children was installed at Flint’s Sloan Museum. By 1986, the exhibit had grown so significantly that, with community support and additional grants, the Flint Children’s Museum’s first permanent location was established at NorthBank Center in downtown Flint, operating there for 7 years.An anonymous gift in 1990 created the Mary Newman Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. That fund, named for the museum’s founder and first Executive Director, has since grown to over 1 million dollars, and the proceeds from that fund continue to provide support for the museum.
The current facility was donated by Kettering University
Kettering University
Kettering University is a university in Flint, Michigan, offering degrees in engineering, math, science, and business. The campus is located along the Flint River on property that used to be the main manufacturing location for General Motors...
, designated to house the Children’s Museum through a long-term lease. The Museum has been operating at this location since 1993.
Exhibits & Programs
Educational hands-on exhibits for children:- Mr. Bones - showing how our skeletons work
- The Discovery Zone - a rotating exhibit space where there is always something new
- Our Town - where they can shop for groceries or visit Frac-tions Pizza Parlor
- Recycled Rhythms - where they can develop their musical skills ona variety of unconvenetional instruments
- Center Stage - where young performers can act out anything they imagine
- The Tot Spot - a safe space with activities for our visitors ages 0–3
- Sproutside - a natural, outdoor learning area
Monthly Themed Activities
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| January 2011 | It's All About the Mitten |
| February 2011 | Whirlwind of Weather |
| March 2011 | You Are What You Eat |
| April 2011 | Save It! |
| May 2011 | Get Caught Reading |
| June 2011 | The Great Outdoors |
| July 2011 | Up, Up and Away |
| August 2011 | Ready, Set, Go! |
| September 2011 | Construction Zone |
| October 2011 | Messin' Around |
| November 2011 | Silly Senses |
| December 2011 | Going Global |