Our JOURNEY

In January 2002, Lisa and Brian Shull pulled together a group of local community members to imagine the possibility of establishing a hands-on children’s museum in the Harrisonburg area. By summer 2002, this grassroots effort gained momentum with the launch of a “mobile museum” created by enthusiastic volunteers determined to introduce the children’s museum concept to the community.

On October 14, 2003, the Harrisonburg Children’s Museum officially opened its doors at 30 N. Main Street and became a favorite downtown destination for kids throughout the Valley. Seven years later, in November 2010, the Museum packed up and moved down the street to its permanent home at 150 S. Main St. With this move, the name changed to Explore More Discovery Museum, better reflecting the expanded region and offering opportunities to reach a wider age range. Read more about the Museum Journey HERE.

While the Museum that we know and love today has been through many changes in the nearly twenty years since its launch, one thing has remained constant...our mission!

MISSION

Explore More Discovery Museum engages young minds through interactive, multi-sensory learning experiences that promote greater understanding of themselves and their world.

VISION

To be a premier experiential learning destination for children and families!

VALUES

1. We believe that children are naturally curious and learn through active exploration. Authentic, hands-on learning experiences are the basis for all museum activities.

2. We recognize that children have unique learning styles. Museum exhibits provide opportunities for auditory, visual and tactile experiences.

3. We respect the role of families as their children’s first teachers. Interactive exhibits support this relationship by encouraging cooperative learning and exploration.

4. We support and enhance the educational goals of elementary and home schools.

5. We highlight the diversity and rich history of our community.

6. Explore More is a community effort and partnership, enhancing quality of life in the Shenandoah Valley.

7. We strive to be accessible to all children and families.

LEADERSHIP

STAFF DIRECTORY

Staff members serve many roles in their efforts to provide interactive, educational experiences for museum guests. 

Lisa Shull
Executive Director

Melanie Veith
Program Manager

Marcia Zook
Exhibit Director 

Caroline Hancock
Operations Manager

Kelly Snow
Development Director

Hannah Royal
Volunteer Coordinator, Guest Services

Kelsey Swartzendruber
Maker City Supervisor, Museum Educator

Charlotte Hanson
Museum Experience Specialist

Kamryn Davis
Guest Services

Mychaela Riggleman
Guest Services

Peter Johnston
Guest Services

Molly Wallace
Exhibit Support, Guest Services

Addie Merlo
Exhibit Support, Guest Services

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors is a group of community leaders who share a passion for the work of the Museum.

Kevin Gibson
President

Amy Henderson
Vice President

Hannah Hutman
Secretary

Dustin Didawick
Treasurer

Neal Lewis
Immediate Past President

Cory Davies

Bekka Harsh

Charles Hendricks

Pat Kennedy

Brian Koerner

Mari Kyle

Wendy Lam

Eliz Ozcan

Heather Ream

Joel Shank

Kathleen Stoehr

Sarah Sutt

Daphyne Saunders Thomas

Brad Walsh

advisory board

Amy Asfa
Eddie Bumbaugh
Stephen Cavanaugh
Laura Lee Conklin
Bill Culbreth
David Driver
Mike Goertzen
Martha Graham
Glenna Graves
John Hall
Susie Hoffman
Chris Kyle
Aaron Ludwig
Nancy Nichols
Tassie Pippert
Scott Rogers
Judy Strickler
Troy Suter
Hillary Wing-Richards

Thank a volunteer today!

As a non-profit dedicated to providing educational exhibits and programs to promote learning through play and exploration, we rely heavily on volunteers from the local community to help us keep the museum clean, staffed, and accessible for families. Whether our volunteers need organization service hours, love working with kids, or just want to help better their community, we welcome everyone. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can learn more here.