Museum earns a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Humanities Texas

Families will be able to enjoy a new virtual tour of The Woodlands Children’s Museum and online storytimes through new funding received from Humanities Texas and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The funding, totaling $5,200, is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 and supports projects at museums, libraries, and other nonprofit organizations that have suffered
losses as a result of the pandemic.

“As a leader on the CARES Act, I’m pleased to see funding go directly to important organizations in the Eighth Congressional District of Texas,” stated U.S. Representative Kevin Brady. “This grant money will help The Woodlands Children’s Museum provide online resources to children and families who are unable to visit in person, and will help promote arts and learning across our community.”

The Woodlands Children’s Museum was one of only three children’s museums in Texas to receive the funding. The emergency relief funds were awarded to organizations that administer humanities programs and that have a significant impact within their communities, as well as a demonstrated need due to COVID-19.

“We are thrilled to receive this award and to be able to continue supporting children in our community with additional online resources,” stated Angela Colton, Executive Director. “This is such a challenging time for parents and young children. We want to be able to give them something familiar and positive to look forward to and the grant will be a big help.” Grant funds will be used to expand the museum’s Storybook Theatre and Shadow Puppet Theatre virtual programming. The storytimes are typically offered in-person at the museum each week. During recent months, the museum began posting online recordings to help support families while at home. Over two dozen storytimes are available on the museum’s website here and are shared on social media.

With the additional funding provided through the grant, the museum will be able to purchase much needed equipment and supplies. Music, finger plays, felt board sets, and new puppets will be included, along with several new books related to humanities topics.

The museum will also use funding to develop a virtual tour of the museum. This will allow current members to re-visit their favorite exhibits from home and also let new guests know what to expect during their visit. Several new exhibit pieces have recently been added or will be added in the weeks ahead, including a new play café, reading nook and lighthouse, and a new set of custom-made train tables.

“Virtual tours can be a wonderful way to introduce or re-familiarize a child with a new experience in order to ease anxiety and foster excitement,” stated Colton. “This will also be a great new at-home resource for families to explore together.”

Additional information on museum hours and programs can be found at www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or by following the museum on Facebook @TheWoodlandsChildrensMuseum and on Instagram and Twitter @TheWoodlandsCM.

Funding has been provided to The Woodlands Children’s Museum from the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent
those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.