The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Takes Top National Honors in Three Categories

Indy Chamber News Archives

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is honored to be selected one of the Top 10 Science Museums in the United States (3^rd), as well as a Top 10 Regional Vacation Destination in the Midwest, and a Top 10 Overall Vacation Destination (tied for 4^th) by FamilyFun  magazine.

The winning locations represent the best family-friendly science institutions and vacation destinations across the country, providing families with recommendations covering a wide variety of locations and interests.  “The Travel Awards are such a unique program because we rely on real families to vote on their favorite destinations—from awe-inspiring science museums to charming American towns with rich history and culture,” said Ann Hallock, Editor-in-chief of FamilyFun magazine. “The winners in each category represent places where families have formed lasting memories, and offer adventures for all types of interests, for animal lovers to history and science buffs.”

“The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis continues to put family learning first and I couldn’t be more proud of our dedicated team of educators and employees who work tirelessly to create world-class educational programs and exhibits that are fun, engaging and for people of all ages and all interests,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum. “As we celebrate our 90^th anniversary, the depth of program offerings and variety of experiences at one location continues to grow and serve families with valuable learning opportunities and memories.”

The Children’s Museum takes great pride in raising family learning to the next level by connecting children and adults directly with global experts in their respective fields who are able to share real life experiences in compelling ways through artifacts, stories and videography. Here is what some of them had to say about the award:

David Wolf, former NASA astronaut and Extraordinary Scientist-in-Residence:

“Inspiration ignites young people to pursue success and know they can accomplish great things in all aspects of science. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, with top notch exhibits and educational programs, is a powerful source of that inspiration.  The dedicated staff works passionately to provide compelling hands-on opportunities across a wide range of scientific principles that they are sure to reach into the interests of a wide variety of people - and of all ages.  It is no surprise that TCM is among the top 10 and it is a credit to its supporters who realize the importance of inspiration.  It is my honor to take a role in this wonderful institution.”

Charlie Beeker, Extraordinary Underwater Archaeologist-in-Residence:

“As director of the Office of Underwater Science at Indiana University, I recognize the value of the long-term collaboration with The Children's Museum in science education.  Our establishment of the Archaeology Laboratory at the museum provides a unique opportunity for science outreach to people of all ages. This laboratory utilizes modern conservation technology that allows the public to directly experience scientific investigation and preservation of historical shipwreck artifacts from ongoing international underwater archaeology research projects. This collaboration is only one of many efforts of The Children's Museum to stimulate interest in STEM by fostering experiential scientific curiosity.  The Children's Museum of Indianapolis truly deserves recognition as one of the top science museums in the country.”

Robert Smith, president, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation

“The Children’s Museum plays an invaluable role in exciting and educating children of all ages about the wonders and possibilities of science.  Their success is driven by the fact that they leverage—perhaps better than anyone—real world experts and their exciting research to provide historical and cultural context to scientific concepts.  The educators at the museum do a great job taking complex issues and making them relevant and understandable.  They do in this by engaging both the child and the adult in fun, hands-on opportunities, frequently using amazing, authentic artifacts.  For our community and beyond, the Children’s Museum is playing a vital role in advancing science literacy and education.”

David Sousa, public affairs manager for Dow AgroSciences:

“The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis plays an important role in STEM education. Through interactive, hands-on engagement with real-world applications of science, museum visitors can gain a new and different view of the world around them and take away a deeper appreciation of science and the complex interconnectivity among all things and beings.”

The results of The 2015 FamilyFun Travel Awards will appear in the magazine’s April print and tablet editions, as well as online at familyfunmag.com. FamilyFun surveyed families traveling with kids ages 3 to 12. Two thousand respondents in four regions – West, Midwest, South, and Northeast – were asked to rate more than 460 vacation spots in the five categories. The full list of categories in this year’s FamilyFun Travel Awards includes historic sites, museums, national parks and preserves, kid-friendly cities, zoos and aquariums, and theme parks. To view all of the FamilyFun Travel Awards winners for 2014, check out the April issue of FamilyFun magazine in print or on the iPad, or visit familyfunmag.com.

About FamilyFun: Reaching an audience of more than 4.6 million, FamilyFun magazine gives parents ideas and inspiration needed to create unforgettable family moments. Part of Meredith Corporation’s Parents Network of brands, FamilyFun is a trusted expert on family cooking, vacations, celebrations, play, creative projects, and learning — the full spectrum of fun that enriches the precious time families share. Written for parents with children 3 to 12, FamilyFun is unique in the marketplace, delivering real ideas for — and from — real families. To learn more about FamilyFun, visit facebook.com/familyfun, pinterest.com/familyfunmag, or follow @FamilyFun on Twitter.

About The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org, follow us onTwitter @TCMIndy, Facebook.com/childrensmuseum and YouTube.com/IndyTCM

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