““At Explore More, I see children use their imaginations and play out their thoughts and dreams. I watch the future!”
”
— Kathy Whitten, EMDM Advisory Board

A REGIONal Treasure

Explore More Discovery Museum is a beloved community resource that enhances the quality of life in the Shenandoah Valley. As a trusted 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Explore More relies on community support to provide nearly half of its annual operating budget, helping provide quality, educational programs while keeping the museum accessible for ALL children.

Monthly free admission events, scholarship memberships, field trips and an incredibly low admission fee are all made possible through community support. Proceeds from fundraising initiatives (Night at the Museum, Great Community Give, Run the Runway) help to continue and grow these accessibility programs so that all children may experience Explore More’s innovative exhibits and programs!


 

by the numbers:

  • Over 80,000 annual visitors!

  • Target audience: children ages 1–12 and their families/caregivers

  • Monthly free admission events and scholarship memberships; 15% of admissions are sponsored

  • Museum admission fee is among the lowest of 7 children’s museums in Virginia

  • 55% earned income (admissions, membership, field trips, birthday parties, programs and store), 45% contributed income (donations, grants and sponsorships)

  • Over 300 volunteers give approximately 10,000 hours to support the museum annually

Future Workforce:

  • Rich learning environment promotes problem solving, creativity and teamwork

  • SOL-based field trip programs extend classroom instruction

  • 6,500 annual field trip visits (regional audience includes Augusta, Shenandoah, Page, West Virginia)

  • Teen volunteer/youth development programs

  • College/university student internships and practicum experiences

  • Local experts who share their knowledge and skills to instruct, create or maintain exhibits

Economic Development:

  • Major attraction in downtown; 35% of children’s museums are keystones in community revitalization projects

  • Member of Association of Children’s Museums, a national organization that markets Explore More across the United States

  • Area businesses promote the museum as a valuable educational and cultural resource when recruiting new employees to the Valley.

  • The museum regularly shares its organizational story with visiting groups such as VA Main Street, university alumni associations, civic clubs and state leadership conferences.

Support Explore More