National Children’s Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary. One of our favorite pastimes has always been reminiscing with visitors over fond memories made within our walls; whether from their own childhood discovering something new at the then-named Capital Children’s Museum on H Street, or from more recent times bringing their little ones to our current location on Pennsylvania Ave for some STEAM-powered play.
As always, our visitors inspired us. To commemorate this special milestone, we launched The Stories Project, a crowdsourcing, memory-collecting initiative designed to help tell our story the best way we can: through the voices of those who make our institution so special. So, as we look back on our legacy, we turn to our cherished community—to you—to share memories from over the years. Read on, reflect, and be a part of The Stories Project.
A History of Serving Our City’s Children
In 1974 The Children’s Museum of Inquiry and Discovery was founded as one of the first nine children’s museums in the country. Five years later the Museum was renamed Capital Children’s Museum and opened its famed H Street location. In 2003, the Museum gained congressional designation, becoming National Children’s Museum and eventually finding its way to its current home on Pennsylvania Ave in 2020. No matter the name and no matter the location, the mission has remained the same: inspire children to care about and change the world.
What Do You Remember?
Did you ever visit Capital Children’s Museum? You may recall the immersive Mexico exhibit where you could make tortillas or yarn art in a replica Mexican town? Did you make gigantic bubbles in our Bubble Room, or slide down a fire pole in The City Room? Maybe you created your first stop-motion film in our Animation Lab! If any of these memories ring true, you’re officially part of the Museum’s history. As National Children’s Museum, our institution continues to bring playful, creative, and innovative educational experiences to children in Washington.
Be a Part of National Children’s Museum’s Archives
In a period of digitizing historical documents and photos, we are reaching far and wide to collect first-hand accounts of those who were impacted by (or made an impact on!) the Museum. By compiling video, audio, and written testimonials via The Stories Project, we hope to make our archives more complete, and this unique DC narrative clearer. Memories from the past are vital resources during this time of reflection and commemoration. They serve as both beacons of our legacy and guiding stepping stones, shaping the future of our mission-driven work. It only takes a moment to add your story and be a part of National Children’s Museum’s history. There is no story too small or submission too short, any memory of the Museum is a moment worth remembering!
Celebrating Five Decades of Dreams
The Stories Project is a cornerstone of our 50th Anniversary. But, if you don’t have a story to share, don’t worry! There are many ways you can join the celebration and be a part of inspiring play, curiosity, and wonder in our nation’s capital.
We have two wonderful anniversary experiences ready for visitors. Take a walk down memory lane in Decades of Dreams, our newest installation that honors the history of the Museum at every stage. Full of throwback photos and whimsical milestones, the installation provides context to the journey of National Children’s Museum and helps young Dreamers and their caregivers connect over shared community, culture, and curiosity. You can even write a note to your future self and put it in our dream mailbox!
Then, embark on a vibrant journey in Placita Mágica, a reimagining of the aforementioned Mexico exhibit. This magical plaza immerses you in the richness of Mexican heritage including traditional decorations, architecture, and cityscape silhouettes of Guanajuato and Taxco. Five interactive experiences explore STEAM concepts with elements of social-emotional development.
Channel your inner child while empowering the next generation at our Dreamers Gala. This unforgettable evening honors the Museum’s past, celebrates its present, and fuels its future, bringing together individuals and corporate sponsors, public officials, and prominent figures in Washington’s business and cultural scenes. You can even power the play by donating to our Dreamers Fund. Gifts of all sizes are an investment in our community.
We can’t wait to hear what you contribute to The Stories Project!
