Renovations Reaping Rewards
One Year Later, 25th Anniversary Changes Have Made a Huge Impact
May 15, 2017 | Back to Blog & News
Yesterday, May 14, marked the one year anniversary of the Virginia Discovery Museum’s 25th Anniversary Renovation. Here's a look at how support from our community has had a direct and powerful impact over the past year:
- Daily Admissions: Visitor numbers are up 20% year over year, and the Museum has welcomed a record 63,537 guests.
- Sponsored Admission: This program, which allows clients of 37 community agencies to visit the Museum free of charge, now accounts for over 10% of our visitors. Learn More
- Memberships: Up an amazing 41% over this time last year, memberships are a key driver of the Museum's financial vitality and an indication that VDM is an important meeting spot for families in our community. Learn More
- Scholarship Fund: Launched in 2016 to help 25 children attend summer camp, VDM's Scholarship Fund now includes funding for special events and the Sponsored Admission Program, as well as camps.
- Education: Programming has been enhanced to include French classes, art workshops rich in sensory feedback, and afternoon programs for children 4 to 6.
- Thought Leadership: This free, public discussion series for caregivers was launched last summer and has featured guest speakers on meditation, work-life balance, and touchscreen technology. Learn More
- StarLab: VDM's portable planetarium program was reinvigorated, and staff presented 19 shows at schools and community groups. Learn More
- Volunteering: Over 250 volunteers, ages 15-85, have donated time, energy, and expertise to make the Museum a beloved community resource. Learn More
Looking ahead to the second half of 2017, we hope to continue to expand the Museum's outreach in the community, to grow a newly launched corporate membership program, and to enhance and refresh the exhibits in VDM's back gallery. If you are interested in supporting these initiatives or have ideas to share, please contact us at director@vadm.org. Thank you for your support and your investment in our community's special place to explore, imagine, and discover.
Additional Resources
How Can I Support the Museum? VDM is a nonprofit community resource. With your help, we can continue to provide children with accessible, high-quality opportunities for discovery and cognitive development in a safe and educational environment that fosters lifelong learners. Learn More
Become a Volunteer! Love working with kids? Want to meet new people? The Museum needs caring and enthusiastic volunteers ages 15 and older. Discover the benefits of volunteering at VDM and learn how you can use your time and talents to help enrich the lives of children in our community. Learn More