New Name and Vision for Association of Youth Museums
(May 3, 2001 -- Washington, D.C.) The Association of Youth Museums (AYM) will unveil a new name and vision as part of its annual conference in St. Louis, Missouri on May 3. The 400-member professional service organization plans to announce its new name- Association of Children's Museums (ACM)- when industry professionals, educators, and researchers from the United States and around the world meet at the three-day conference.
The Association also will release its attendance numbers for 1999-2000. Last year 33 million children and families attended a children's museum. Executive Director, Janet Rice Elman, said, "Children's museums are the fastest growing cultural institution in the world. That trend will continue as we see more communities wanting to start-up a children's museum to enrich civic and family life. Currently over 100 ACM members are in that start-up phase."
This year's conference, InterActivity 2001, hosted by The Magic House-St. Louis Children's Museum at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis, will explore how children's museums are creating a sense of place where families can have fun, learn together and share experiences with their community. As family destinations, children's museums provide a safe and supportive environment. This "town square" atmosphere provides the basis of ACM's new vision statement-bringing children and families together in a new kind of "town square" where play inspires lifelong learning.
ACM President, Lou Casagrande, CEO of The Children's Museum, Boston notes the vital role of children's museums in communities. "Children's museums enjoy a special position within the hearts and lives of children and families. This new kind of 'town square' illustrates the unique role of children's museums, providing an appealing learning place where communities come together to nurture, celebrate and respect childhood."
These "town squares" are wholesome, safe and welcoming environments to build inclusive communities by supporting families and enhancing educational opportunities. They encourage children, parents, teachers and caregivers to come together in shared interaction and dialogue. InterActivity 2001 will not only launch the Association of Children's Museums' town square vision, but will explore in depth the role of civic organizations in building strong communities; the different roles schools and informal learning environments play in kids' lives; and the use of the internet in finding common ground across communities.
Highlights of InterActivity 2001 include:
Thursday, May 3
Benjamin R. Barber, Ph.D., Director of the Walt Whitman Center for Culture and Politics of Democracy at Rutgers University. (Keynote Speech, 9:00 a.m.)
Friday, May 4
David Elkind, Ph.D., Professor of Child Development at Tufts University and acclaimed author of The Hurried Child. Dr. Elkind will receive this year's Great Friend to Kids Award. (Keynote Speech, 9:00 a.m.)
First Lady of Missouri Lori Holden. The First Lady is an ardent political and social activist in the areas of education, mental health, and the arts. She will introduce Dr. Elkind at 9:00 a.m. and participate in the Kid's Town Hall at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 5
Darien Dash, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of DME Interactive Holdings. In addition, three children's museums will receive The Metropolitan Life Foundation and Association of Children's Museums Promising Practice Award. (Keynote Speech and Award Presentation, 9:00 a.m.)
InterActivity 2001 is supported by Binney & Smith, The Children's Museum of Houston, CPI Corporation, Emerson Electric, Institute for Civil Society, Edward Jones, Inc., and Klutz.
The Association of Children's Museums is a professional service organization that endeavors to expand the capacity and further the vision of youth museums around the world. Founded in 1962 as a support group for directors, ACM has broadened its services and purpose as an international association with over 400 members.
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