In 1999, a visionary group of parents and educators identified an unmet need for a children's museum in their local area. Shortly thereafter, they introduced the concept for Valley Children's Museum at a local Children's Fair in Livermore, California with its first traveling exhibit. With enthusiastic response, organizers continued to move forward presenting the idea at local fairs and festivals. The consensus: Yes! This region needs a hands-on discovery center for children, families and schools.
Early and subsequent feasibility studies in the Tri-Valley have confirmed that the concept is fundamentally viable and would meet community needs. Encouraged by this news, Valley Children’s Museum has continued to build programs and search for a long-term home.
Valley Children's Museum exhibits and programs have appeared at festivals, fairs, public libraries and classrooms, providing thousands of local children with hands-on, play-based activities, make-and-take projects and learning experiences.
The acquisition of its mobile museum (donated by Mervyn’s Department Store in 2007) added the potential for a traveling exhibit to visit schools and public venues. The Moving Mission will be open to the public in conjunction with Dublin’s Farmers Market at Emerald Glen Park from May through October 2011.
Local communities throughout the region have demonstrated their interest for the project in the form of both volunteer commitments and monetary contributions. Donations have been received from local cities, foundations, corporations, service clubs, mother's clubs, parents, and children. Valley Children's Museum has developed a strong support base of prominent community leaders and educators.
