Children's Discovery Museum
Mission Statement The mission of the Children’s Discovery Museum is to provide an array of exhibits and activities that promote developmental skills including social, cognitive, problem solving and peer interaction. Our environment creates an interactive community in which hands on learning is provided through play. Population Served Our work within the museum reaches children 6 months to 8 years of age, as well as their families and caregivers. We welcome school groups, summer youth programs and other organizations serving this age range of children into the museum. Our History In 1984, Augusta’s Julie O’Brien incorporated her idea of a Children’s Discovery Museum (CDM) in the state Capitol. She started out with travelling exhibits, hosting the first Discovery Day at the Farrington School in 1990. In 1991, it was decided that a permanent home needed to be found for CDM. After many hours of volunteer work, the Children’s Discovery Museum opened its door at 265 Water Street, Augusta on August 1st, 1992. CDM was a wonderful addition to Augusta. In 1994, it was the recipient of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award. A Capital Campaign in 1995 allowed the museum to double its exhibit space; more exhibit space and offices were added in 2000. In February of 2006, CDM closed to make major renovations and re-opened one year later with modernized and new exhibits. After much deliberation, the Board of Directors decides CDM needed to move. The Water Street location was closed October 2009 and CDM reopened on November 7th, 2009 in its brand new home at 171 Capitol Street in Augusta.
