Media Room Strategic Initiative General Museum

Children’s Discovery Museum Prepares to Welcome Back Visitors

The Mercury News
September 24, 2020

Donning a purple mask, the perched Discovery Duck is welcoming back visitors to the venerable children's museum starting October 9. A number of health and safety measures have been put in place to open Bill's Backyard with two play sessions per day. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, General Museum

Museum Announces Access and Inclusion Initiative

imp inpark Magazine
June 19, 2019

Visitors of all abilities will now have additional options for accessing Children's Discovery Museum. This initiative advances our most deeply held values of access and inclusion for all members of the community,” said Marilee Jennings, executive director of Children’s Discovery Museum. “These efforts build upon our existing initiative work with the Autism, LGBTQ, and immigrant communities.” Learn More

Early Childhood Development, General Museum, Health Promotion, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Learning Research

Disability Initiative Launches to Provide Greater Access and Options

June 5, 2019

Visitors of all abilities will now have additional options for accessing and enjoying the museum with the launch of the museum’s Disability Initiative. This work is part of the museum’s strategic commitment, “Inclusion and Cultural Competence," and includes new universally designed automated doors, an upgrade to the Quiet Room, and the new program, "Afternoons for All Abilities" that joins the existing program, "Play Your Way," for children with Autism. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, General Museum, Inclusion & Cultural Competence

Education Innovator and Author Milton Chen is 2019 Legacy Award Honoree

May 1, 2019

Education innovator and author Milton Chen believes in education. Just not in the traditional sense. For nearly four decades, he's been on the cutting edge of research - advocating for teaching to keep pace with changes in society and how children learn. Chen is this year's 20th Legacy for Children Award honoree. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, General Museum

BioSITE Celebrates 25 Years of Sparking Curiosity in Science

The Mercury News
April 12, 2019

For 25 years, the museum's BioSITE program has been turning local waterways into living laboratories and classrooms for local youth. Fourth and fifth graders mentored by high school students test water quality and monitor the health of rivers, creeks and streams with the goal of fostering an appreciation and respect for the environment. Learn More

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

Question Quest: A Week of Investigating Your World Honors 25th Anniversary of Award-Winning BioSITE Program

April 2, 2019

Did you know that over 70% of the planet is covered by the sea? Or that the Pacific Ocean covers over half the globe? Environmental and science organizations will be at Children’s Discovery Museum April 9 – 13 answering these questions and sparking more with hands-on science activities during Question Quest week. This year’s theme, Blue Planet, celebrates the 25th anniversary of BioSITE (Students Investigating Their Environment), the museum’s field-based environmental science program where students learn watershed ecology and environmental stewardship. Learn More

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

Mission-Driven Cafe: When Doing the Wrong Thing is the Right Thing To Do

American Alliance of Museums Blog
April 1, 2019

If your primary goal is to have a food operation that contributes to your bottom line, hiring a contract food-service company is the right thing to do. But what if your vision for your café goes beyond seeing it as a profit center? Marilee Jennings, the executive director of Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, ultimately wanted the cafe to align with the museum's mission. With the encouragement and support of her board, she embarked on a journey of change. Learn More

General Museum, Health Promotion

Cultural Celebration Series Continues with Three Kings Festivities

January 1, 2019

The Epiphany – the Feast of Three Kings on January 6 is a significant holiday in many cultures and Spanish-speaking countries, marking the 12 days after Christmas when the kings arrived in Bethlehem. The traditions of family, gift-giving, music, and art and crafts are brought to life so that families of all backgrounds can explore this holiday that is familiar by many local families who grew up celebrating The Feast of the Three Kings. Learn More

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

Executive Director Marilee Jennings On Diversity & Inclusion with SV Business Journal

Silicon Valley Business Journal
November 16, 2018

On any given day in the museum, you'll hear numerous languages being spoken. The museum's audience mirrors the tremendous diversity in the Bay Area. This is no accident. It's the result of years of intentional work that includes everything from the Cultural Celebration Series, tri-lingual signage, staffing decisions, and exhibits and programs to deeply held community partnerships. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Creativity through the Arts, Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Health Promotion, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Learning Research, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Voyage to Vietnam Returns Home After National Tour

October 1, 2018

After a two-year national tour to promote understanding of the Vietnamese culture, the exhibition Voyage to Vietnam: Celebrating the Tet Festival returns home. The exhibition was developed by the museum with the help of 10 community leaders who consulted on the two-year process to ensure cultural authenticity. It was made possible through a highly competitive national initiative by the Freeman Foundation Asian Culture Exhibit Series. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Early Childhood Development, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Learning Research, Partnerships & Resource Development

Two-Year Initiative with Immigrant Families Culminates with Traveling Installation

The Mercury News
June 3, 2018

The museum continues its cutting-edge work with immigrant communities. The latest is a compelling visual and performing arts pop-up, A Seat at the Table, traveling to South Bay events this summer. The exhibit sparks conversations and art activities around the meaning of home, heritage, identity, and shared values. It's the culmination of Common Ground, a two-year initiative funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences to promote cultural understanding amongst immigrant families from Mexico, China, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam and the greater South Bay communities. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Creativity through the Arts, Early Childhood Development, General Museum, Inclusion & Cultural Competence

Proud of My Family Aug. 17 & 18

August 1, 2018

The fourth annual Proud of My Family weekend celebrates all families, especially members of the LGBTQ+ community. The event supports the museum’s Inclusion and Cultural Competence strategic commitment to build awareness and understanding among people of diverse ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, socioeconomic situations, religions, abilities, and family configurations. Learn More

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