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.