Long Island Children’s Museum places community service at the heart of its mission, core values and strategic plan. This commitment is reflected in signature program initiatives and is woven throughout every aspect of it daily practices.
This commitment to community was recently honored by the Museum Association of New York (MANY) when it recognized LICM with the Award of Merit in the category “Engaging Communities” for its unique partnership with the Westbury School District. The award, the highest honor given to individuals and institutions, was presented at the MANY Annual Conference in Lake Placid.
The MANY Awards of Merit recognize outstanding work in the museum community. This year 10 Awards of Merit were presented to institutions whose projects represent overall innovation, excellence and outstanding contributions to the industry. LICM President Suzanne LeBlanc accepted the award on behalf of the Children’s Museum .
The Westbury STEM Partnership is a collaboration between the Garden City-based Children’s Museum and the Westbury School District. Begun in 2009, the program supports inquiry-based, hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a high-need school district neighboring the Museum. Program components include multiple class visits to the Museum, outreaches in the schools, in-depth teacher training and programs for families. The partnership serves approximately 900 students annually.
“Long Island Children’s Museum has established deep roots across the Long Island community,” notes LeBlanc. “We are proud of our ability to serve and support Long Island families and school children, both at the Museum and by bringing dynamic Museum experiences to their neighborhoods. Being recognized for excellence for values that our central to our identity is a testament to our staff and board,” she added.
The Museum’s exceptional level of community service has also been recognized with a National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders award.
About the Long Island Children’s Museum
Long Island Children’s Museum invites visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to explore freely, discover their passions, and appreciate the communities and world we share. The 40,000-square-foot museum is a learning laboratory where hands-on exhibits invite visitors to experiment, examine, and play. The Museum welcomes 250,000 children and adults annually. The private, not-for-profit institution chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, offers museum-based educational programs and cultural experiences, as well as an extensive community outreach program offered in schools, libraries and youth centers across Long Island. The Museum is the recipient of the 2012 National Medal for Museum & Library Service, the highest honor conferred on museums for extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions.
Long Island Children’s Museum
11 Davis Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
Website: www.licm.org