Media Room In the News

Seventy-five Charming Third Graders Help Dedicate Bill’s Backyard

The Mercury News
October 20, 2017

The same kids who tossed seeds into a patch of dirt last November burst through a commemorative ribbon and helped dedicate the museum's new outdoor space, Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature, on Thursday. Mayor Sam Liccardo, Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager, and representatives from the visionary donors including Open Space Authority Santa Clara County, the California Coastal Conservancy, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, and Agilent Technologies were among many who were on-hand to mark the occasion and speak about the importance of this new outdoor learning environment to children and the entire region. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Low Tech High Thrills at the Purple Museum

South Bay Accent
October 15, 2017

Executive Director Marilee Jennings talks with South Bay Accent about everything from the early days of the museum to the latest and largest capital project since opening in 1990 - Bill's Backyard. San Jose's newest outdoor learning environment is primed for hours of exploration, discovery, and creativity for all ages, especially inquisitive youngsters. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Executive Director Marilee Jennings Talks with Bay Area Focus

KBCW Bay Area Focus
October 8, 2017

Marilee Jennings joined Michelle Griego, host of KBCW's "Bay Area Focus," to talk about Bill's Backyard and why the museum is venturing outdoors with a half-acre outdoor learning environment focused on environmental and science learning - and, of course, lots of discovery and exploration for children and families. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Science Learning

Nature Inspired Space Opens at Purple Museum

Bay Nature Magazine
September 25, 2017

Come play outside. That's what the museum hopes families will want to do in Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, the new outdoor exhibit space. It's intentionally designed as a hybrid between a playground and a nature park, where children can choose their own adventures, and parents can feel comfortable letting them. The half-acre exhibit includes large tree-shaped structures connected by sky bridges, a grassy hill and slide, a dig pit, and a fort-building area suitable for forts or fairy gardens. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, Science Learning

Children’s Discovery Museum Soars

Bay Area For Sale
September 5, 2017

Two moms with a big dream. This determined combination launched what has become a trusted community resource for families and a beacon of fun for all - Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. The iconic purple museum located in the heart of downtown San Jose in Discovery Meadow welcomes more than 400,000 people each year. Learn More

General Museum

Museum is Living Laboratory for University Researcher

University of Santa Cruz News Center
September 1, 2017

How do children learn? Development psychologist Maureen Callahan's life work is understanding the various factors that shape how a child learns. Nearly 20 years ago the University of California at Santa Cruz and the museum formed a partnership to study how children and families engage in science learning. It's been a mutually beneficial relationship since day one. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, General Museum, Learning Research, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Annual Weekend Celebrates Rainbow of Diversity and Inclusion

The Mercury News
August 27, 2017

Kids and parents braided friendship bracelets, learned what the colors of the rainbow flag represent, and participated in a lively crochet jam, led by social justice artist Ramekon O' Arwisters at this year's annual Proud of My Family event. As part of the museum's Inclusion and Cultural Competence initiative, the program is designed to build awareness and understanding among people of diverse ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations and family configurations. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Partnerships & Resource Development

Proud of My Family Celebrates Inclusion and Diversity

Bay Area Reporter
August 15, 2017

Families come in all configurations. We celebrate this every day at Children's Discovery Museum and especially during our annual Proud of My Family weekend. This event is an outgrowth of our strategic commitment, Cultural Competence and Inclusion, and the work we do with our LGBTQ advisory committee to support all families in the community. Learn More

Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Partnerships & Resource Development

Common Ground Program Gives Voice to Immigrants

China Daily USA
August 1, 2017

Immigrants from China, Mexico, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam shared their experiences and cultural heritage during one of three dinners as part of the museum's innovative Common Ground gatherings. The year-long, grant-funded program designed to connect people from different backgrounds and encourage sharing and understanding amongst diverse immigrant communities will culminate in an art project to be displayed throughout the South Bay. Learn More

General Museum, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Partnerships & Resource Development

Teens Give Summer of Service High Marks

Los Gatos Weekly Times
July 20, 2017

Developing leadership skills, building empathy for others, and understanding community needs are just a few benefits of the award-winning service camp for teens grade 7 - 10th. In Summer of Service, teens connect to local nonprofits to volunteer their time, make a difference, and have fun. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship

Tree of 40 Fruit Only Public Sculpture on West Coast

Gardening Know How
July 19, 2017

Imagine picking 40 different types of stone fruit from one tree. The Tree of 40 Fruit is a delicious intersection of art and agriculture that will deliver the goods. Bursting with a kaleidoscope of pink, crimson, red and white blossoms, this living sculpture was created by environmental artist Sam Van Aken and will be the centerpiece of Bill's Backyard, producing 40 different heirloom and antique varieties mostly from Santa Clara Valley. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Environmental Stewardship, Science Learning

South Bay Teens Give Back Through Summer of Service

Sunnyvale Sun
July 10, 2017

Youth earn community service hours, make friends, and participate in volunteerism in the award-winning Summer of Service program. With an emphasis on responsibility and purpose, teens in grades 7th through 10th are connected to volunteer opportunities in the community. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Partnerships & Resource Development

Marilee Jennings Shares Vision for Outdoor Expansion

Content Magazine
July 1, 2017

Executive Director Marilee Jennings shares her vision for Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature - the museum's new outdoor learning environment opening in October. After 26 years, the museum is bursting through its purple walls and connecting kids to nature with outdoor play and environmental and science education. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, Science Learning