MUSEUM IN ACTION SNAPSHOT

Joining Together to Become a Dynamic Force:

A Look Back and a Look Ahead

YOU ARE OUR HEROES

Thanks to your exceptional support over the last year, we have been able to bring the arts, science, nature and culture – along with all needed supplies – to more than 1,200 children. It is because of you that we came through the pandemic when so many other cultural institutions and businesses did not survive. It is because of you we are back on track to open the first children’s museum facility in the Bronx in 2022. It is because of you that children throughout the Bronx received a sense of hope and stability. It is because of you we became a dynamic force, together.

Here is a snapshot of what we accomplished together and where we are today.

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS WHEN THEY WERE NEEDED MOST

With the input of the community and our partner schools, BxCM developed “Nature of the Bronx” – a comprehensive school curriculum for Pre-K through 3rd Grade; introduced “Music Matters” – a celebration of the rich musical culture of the Bronx; and reimagined our upcoming “Dream Big” and “ArtSpot” programs. All programs provided each child with the supplies necessary for full participation. In addition, “Saturday Fun Labs” on Zoom and Facebook Live, PBS Kids “Let’s Learn NYC,” and BronxNet TV broadcasts ensured widespread access.

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MAKING THE DIFFERENCE THAT MATTERED: A PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE

“For many of our families, food, shelter, safety, health, and access to technology come first and then we can focus on education. So, for a lot of the families, having materials is a challenge. It’s very important that the Bronx Children’s Museum provides materials. CS 55 has had a partnership with the Museum for over 7 years now and ... [it has] had a major impact on the social emotional well-being of the children.” — Luis Torres, Principal, CS 55

Colorful backpacks filled with program materials including yoga mats, t-shirts and art supplies for three after school programs: Dream Big, Little Friends of the Museum and GreenArts.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION NEARS COMPLETION

Only three months until the end of construction! Exhibits roll in by January 2022. Public opening is scheduled for July 2022. We can’t wait to invite you in!

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NEXT UP: EXHIBITS & ART INSTALLATIONS

The 32-foot waterway is nearly complete; the digital, interactive Bronxtopia will be one of the first exhibits installed; and fabrication is soon to begin on our casita, wonder wall and the rest of the exhibits. A dozen commissioned pieces of artwork, all by Bronx-connected artists, will add another dimension to programming. We’ll show you more at a sneak-peek event in October.

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THE ROAD AHEAD

The Museum is now perfectly positioned for today’s new world. We’re more engaged with the community than ever. In-person engagements are starting up again; we expect to be back in classrooms this Fall; the building will open within a year; and there will be a new electric bus in 2023.

THANK YOU

Thank you all for continuing to support and stand with the Museum and the children of the Bronx. If you are not already on our newsletter email list, please sign up here for monthly updates. We are looking forward to a VERY exciting year ahead.

Enjoy your summer!

In community,

Carla Precht

Executive Director

P.S. If you are inspired by the results and impact we were able to achieve this past year together, please consider making a donation to show your support for the children in our programs and our building progress.

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