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. For this event, Valley Children's Museum designed and fabricated its first traveling exhibit, composed of a fossil excavation sand table with fossil-making activities for children. The event was well received. More than 150 attendees enthusiastically encouraged the organization to move forward. Valley Children's Museum continued to receive an overwhelmingly positive response at local fairs and festivals: Yes! This region needs a hands-on discovery center for children, families and schools.
In December 1999, the founding Board of Directors adopted by-laws and in April of 2000, the organization incorporated. Valley Children's Museum received its 501(C)(3) non-profit status in June 2000.
In 2001, the City of San Ramon commissioned a feasibility study. The study's conclusions confirmed that the concept was fundamentally viable and would meet the community's needs. Encouraged by this news, Valley Children's Museum continued to build its programs, while searching for a long-term home.
Valley Children's Museum traveling exhibit program has appeared in venues throughout the community. Valley Children's Museum has provided thousands of local children with hands-on, play-based activities, make-and-take projects and learning experiences. Valley Children's Museum has offered its exhibits and programs at festivals, fairs and public libraries in the Tri-Valley and surrounding community, including San Ramon and Danville elementary schools.
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.
Today, our Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and team of volunteers represent people throughout the Tri-Valley with one goal in mind: to build a children's museum as quickly as possible. We look forward to launching our latest acquisition, the Moving Mission, in 2008 to local schools throughout the area and continue our plans for the museum in Dublin.
