Press Room

Steve Spangler Shoutout to the Discovery Center!

Governor Laura Kelly Praises Discovery at Home

Transcript:

Hi. Governor Laura Kelly, here. Today, I wanted to express my appreciation for the many parents, grandparents, and families all across Kansas who are making sure to stay home to help stop the spread of COVID-19. I know it isn't easy, but you're doing a great job, and I am so proud of all of you.

And I want to thank organizations like the Kansas Children's Discovery Center, which is sharing its programming online free of charge. These educational and entertaining programs have been used more than 100,000 times over the past few weeks.

So thank you for all you're doing, and hang in there. Together, we'll get through this.

In the News: Discovery at Home Reaches 150K

May 1, 2020 - The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center announced today it has reached over 150,000 people with online educational content since closure. Since March 14, the nonprofit children’s museum has posted free activities encouraging children and families to learn and play together exploring science, art, nature, physical activity, and more.

Videos demonstrate educational activities that can be easily and inexpensively replicated using supplies found in most homes. Activities are developed by the Discovery Center education team and community partners. A recent video featuring a NASA spacesuit engineer was the museum’s most engaging online content to date. The videos have collectively reached 151,149 viewers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and the organization’s website.

“We are thrilled that so many people are enjoying our online content,” said Dene’ Mosier, President/CEO of the Discovery Center, “play is powerful, it can heal and transform. Children need play to imagine, create, reduce stress and inspire joy. Although our building is closed, we’re working hard to continue to support families.”

Evergy, Topeka Collegiate School, and multiple private donors have contributed financially to the museum to support Discovery at Home programming. The museum is also now selling Discovery Bags, activity and toy kits delivered to homes, to generate additional revenue and provide fun for families.

Revenue from donors and sales is critical to the museum. The Kansas Children's Discovery Center is a privately-funded, nonprofit organization that relies on admission revenue to operate. The museum receives no ongoing government or taxpayer dollars, and is losing an estimated $1,797 every day they are closed. As a high-touch, hands-on environment, the museum will have to make many changes before reopening to the public. When the museum opens, capacity limits will further restrict revenue.

“Reopening will be a real challenge, but we are working hard to make sure we can serve families safely and keep the museum sustainable. Donors, large and small, are helping us make that happen,” said Mosier.

The Discovery Center hosts over 95,000 annual visitors. One quarter of visitors reside outside Shawnee County, making the museum a significant driver of regional tourism. The Discovery Center is seeking donations, video sponsorships and Discovery Bag sales to support the museum during closure.

In the News: Kansas Children’s Discovery Center creates at-home video series

Discovery Center Closed to the Public

Dear Friends,

In the interest of our community and the families we serve, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center will temporarily close to the public for at least two weeks, beginning tomorrow, March 14, 2020.

We understand anytime we close, it places a burden on the families that rely on us as a safe place for you to learn and play together. We do not make this decision without careful consideration. We have received recommendations from experts and officials that lead us to the conclusion that closure is the correct strategy for our community. When it comes to serving children and families, we will always choose to be cautious in the interests of those we serve.

The Discovery Center has had zero reports of staff members, volunteers or visitors who have been exposed to COVID-19, and our community of visitors is generally low risk. We also follow cleaning procedures that follow strict internal guidelines as well as the safety guidelines issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, we are choosing to do our part to encourage the social distancing that may help our community flatten the curve, or take the peak of infections out of this pandemic.

During our closure, the Discovery Center Education Team is still hard at work! We will be sharing information about how families can continue to engage in educational play at home at www.kansasdiscovery.org/home and our social media channels.

Have any questions about coronavirus? Visit the Center for Disease Control website.

Thank you for continuing to support your local, nonprofit children's museum. We look forward to seeing you back at the museum as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Dené Mosier
President/CEO
Kansas Children's Discovery Center