On June 18, 2021, the Delaware Children’s Museum (DCM) celebrated the reopening of their big yellow building along Wilmington’s Riverfront. With new protocols in place to safeguard the health and wellbeing of visitors and staff, so much of what makes DCM a local treasure is again available for all to enjoy.
“The Delaware Children's Museum is ready to greet guests for spring and summer,” says Jennifer Bush, executive director of the Delaware Children's Museum.
“While the building was closed, our mission to Develop Creative Minds through playful learning and STREAM education (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math) continued with gusto virtually. With the help of the Payroll Protection Plan, the DCM kept six, full-time staff employed to engage families with young children in new ways online and via social media.”
DCM took the time through COVID closures to learn more about best practices in museum education as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. The museum did what they do best — they remained incredibly resourceful, figured out new models of working together and strengthened existing partnerships stretching their resources to continue to serve young children in Delaware.
The Delaware Children’s Museum is Delaware’s first and only kid-centric museum, teaching math, science and technology through hands-on exhibits…
While they did make the most of their time without, DCM truly missed having children in their building! The DCM is a museum that celebrates a child’s imagination, creativity and potential. Playful learning is essential to a child’s development, and that play is the necessary work of childhood. Not only a cornerstone of Wilmington's community, and a gathering place to make memories, DCM is a museum of first experiences, and a springboard for future museum visits.
This year, DCM will partner with The Delaware Contemporary for an entire Summer of Play, continue their work with Kingswood Community Center, Eastside Charter School and the Delaware Blue Coats. A new partnership with The Brandywine Zoo means that members receive four tickets to the Zoo when purchasing a $119 DCM membership. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes MANY villages to raise a children’s museum. DCM continues to rebuild visitation, which was 140,000 per year before the pandemic, making the museum one of the top three tourist attractions in the Brandywine Valley.
As the state’s ONLY children’s museum, they need support from ALL OF DELAWARE and its visitors to continue their vital work of facilitating playful learning in the lives of young children and their families. Join existing friends and partners and become a part of the DCM village now!
Digital Marketing Manager of the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau
About Jessica:
Hi, I'm Jessica, the Digital Marketing Manager at the Greater Wilmington CVB and a passionate advocate for all things Delaware. When I moved to Delaware at ten, I discovered a state that perfectly balanced the energy of city life with the serenity of the countryside—all just a short drive apart. Delaware may be small, but it’s packed with vibrant attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that make every day an adventure. As a traveler and storyteller, I’m passionate about uncovering and sharing the First State’s best-kept secrets. Through my blogs, I invite you to join me in exploring why Delaware is small but mighty—there’s always something new and exciting to discover!
