About

Vermont Children’s Museum is a young, newly founded organization, incorporated in May 2021. In January 2022, we received our 501(c)(3) federal non-profit status.

We are in the start-up phase of opening a children’s museum which means we do not have a physical space yet, but we have begun to host our own pop-up events to raise awareness and funds. In the museum world, we call this a “museum without walls”. To learn more about what we need for a space, visit the FAQ page.

We are a 100% volunteer organization. All of the work to build the organization, raise awareness, fundraise, and put on events is led by founder and volunteer Kerianne Severy and a team of volunteers. We do hope to hire an executive director to help move us to the next phase once we have raised enough funds. If you would like to volunteer, please fill out the volunteer form.

We participate in local community events like Addison County Field Days, Vergennes Day, and Bristol Harvest Festival annually providing entertainment for young children. 

To see spaces that we have collaborated on, check out the play corner at Junebug and stay tuned for the opening of the tinker room at Sheldon Museum.

Mission

The Vermont Children’s Museum provides space and educational programming for children and families to learn and grow through play, exploration, and connection. 

Vision

To strengthen our Vermont community by supporting families in becoming more resilient, happy, and healthy.

What we aim to provide:

  • An indoor play space that is accessible to parents/caregivers, daycares, elementary schools, and home school groups

  • A play space and programming that feels welcoming and accepting of all people regardless of socio-economic status, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, etc.

  • A play space that supports all areas of child development: gross motor, fine motor, social/emotional, cognitive, and speech/language

  • Exhibits that have a high ceiling and low floor so can be engaging at a wide range of development levels

  • Exhibits that have information about child development and how to engage the child to support that development with tips on how to continue learning at home

  • Exhibits that support and develop areas of need for children with SPD and/or ASD

  • Age specific Playdates (siblings welcome) so parents/caregivers can meet others with similar age kids and build their support network (focus on 0-3 years)

  • Child development classes

  • Support groups where parents can troubleshoot difficult situations (e.g. foster parents, parents of children with special needs)

Belief Statement

Vermont Children's Museum believes that the best way to strengthen our community and its future is by helping children. We believe the early years are the most critical period of growth in a person's life and sets the foundation for all future development. We believe all children should have opportunities for engaging in play and exploration that enhances all aspects of development: gross motor, fine motor, social/emotional, cognitive, and speech/language. We believe that primary caregivers have the most influence on a child, especially in the early years, so the best way to ensure a happy and healthy childhood--and thus a solid foundation for life--is to support and build the capacity of primary caregivers.

Priorities

Goal # 1 Increase recognition and awareness within the community of Vermont Children’s Museum, what a children’s museum is, and why a children’s museum would benefit Addison County.

Goal # 2 Raise money to rent, buy, or build a space (one year or down payment).

Goal # 3 Build a volunteer base.

Goal # 4 Hire staff.

Goal # 5 Diversify board membership.