ABOUT US
We
are a discovery museum for young people (ages 2-12)
and their families, providing hands-on exhibits
and programs designed to encourage visitors to learn
by doing, imagining, creating and making choices.
Our
primary audience is children of the mountain community
and the tourist population that visit the destination
resort area of Yosemite National Park. We average
1,000 visitors monthly.
The
museum operates under the auspices of the Educational
Enhancement Foundation, a private nonprofit organization
(classified as a 501(c) 3 by the IRS.
Funds
are generated by private contributions and earned
income from membership, admission fees, grants,
gift shop sales and special events. The museum development
and exhibit design is provided by devoted and generous
volunteers who have a passion for our museum and
enhancing the lives of children.
The
museum was founded in 1995 by a group of parents
and individuals interested in bringing specialized
programs to young people of the mountain community.
In 1997 the museum was awarded a grant by United
Way of Madera County allowing the museum to open
to the public on July 19, 1997 in a 1,000 square
foot site. We soon outgrew this space and began
searching for larger quarters that were affordable.
We moved during February of 2000 into our new location
of approximately 4000 square feet of exhibit space!
The
hands-on exhibits can be categorized as teaching
scientific principles or allowing the child to learn
about the world around them through dramatic play
or artistic expression.
We
are not a collecting museum in the traditional sense.
That is one of the primary ways in which we differ
from other museums. The children's museum uses teaching
collections, providing objects to be handled, learned
from and explored by the inquisitive participants.
If
after viewing our "virtual" tour you are
inspired to join the abundant community support
we experience and wish to give generously to a well
deserving organization, feel free to contact our
Director, Jean Hand, for more information. (559)
658-5656
