Media Room Keyword Children's Discovery Museum

Seventy-five Charming Third Graders Help Dedicate Bill’s Backyard

The Mercury News
October 20, 2017

The same kids who tossed seeds into a patch of dirt last November burst through a commemorative ribbon and helped dedicate the museum's new outdoor space, Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature, on Thursday. Mayor Sam Liccardo, Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager, and representatives from the visionary donors including Open Space Authority Santa Clara County, the California Coastal Conservancy, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, and Agilent Technologies were among many who were on-hand to mark the occasion and speak about the importance of this new outdoor learning environment to children and the entire region. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Low Tech High Thrills at the Purple Museum

South Bay Accent
October 15, 2017

Executive Director Marilee Jennings talks with South Bay Accent about everything from the early days of the museum to the latest and largest capital project since opening in 1990 - Bill's Backyard. San Jose's newest outdoor learning environment is primed for hours of exploration, discovery, and creativity for all ages, especially inquisitive youngsters. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Partnerships & Resource Development, Science Learning

Executive Director Marilee Jennings Talks with Bay Area Focus

KBCW Bay Area Focus
October 8, 2017

Marilee Jennings joined Michelle Griego, host of KBCW's "Bay Area Focus," to talk about Bill's Backyard and why the museum is venturing outdoors with a half-acre outdoor learning environment focused on environmental and science learning - and, of course, lots of discovery and exploration for children and families. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Science Learning

Nature Inspired Space Opens at Purple Museum

Bay Nature Magazine
September 25, 2017

Come play outside. That's what the museum hopes families will want to do in Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, the new outdoor exhibit space. It's intentionally designed as a hybrid between a playground and a nature park, where children can choose their own adventures, and parents can feel comfortable letting them. The half-acre exhibit includes large tree-shaped structures connected by sky bridges, a grassy hill and slide, a dig pit, and a fort-building area suitable for forts or fairy gardens. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, Science Learning

Bestselling Author and Nature Advocate Richard Louv to Help Dedicate Bill’s Backyard

September 19, 2017

Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, San Jose's newest outdoor learning environment, will double the museum’s current exhibit space and provide endless opportunities for fun and learning with a focus on environmental and science education. Bestselling author and chairman emeritus of Children & Nature Network Richard Louv will give the keynote address at the dedication on Thursday, October 19 at 11 a.m. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo will speak about the museum’s leading role in making San Jose a nature-rich city for all children. Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Environmental Stewardship, Exhibition Development, General Museum, Science Learning

Children Become Little Scientists in Science + You Exhibit

October 9, 2017

Thanks to support from AbbVie Foundation, kids can become little scientists and discover the world of science in a fun, hands-on way. The exhibit offers a child-sized laboratory where kids can learn about working in a clean environment as they prepare to put on a lab coat and explore the role science plays in keeping the body healthy. The exhibit features tips about healthy eating and active living with plenty of role-playing including making nutritious soup in the "Test Kitchen," learning how antibodies help defeat germs, handling materials safely using the "Glovebox," and getting a magnified view of both natural and man-made objects using the "Wentzscope," and more! Learn More

Early Childhood Development, Health Promotion, Science Learning

Children’s Discovery Museum Soars

Bay Area For Sale
September 5, 2017

Two moms with a big dream. This determined combination launched what has become a trusted community resource for families and a beacon of fun for all - Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. The iconic purple museum located in the heart of downtown San Jose in Discovery Meadow welcomes more than 400,000 people each year. Learn More

General Museum

South Bay Teens Give Back Through Summer of Service

Sunnyvale Sun
July 10, 2017

Youth earn community service hours, make friends, and participate in volunteerism in the award-winning Summer of Service program. With an emphasis on responsibility and purpose, teens in grades 7th through 10th are connected to volunteer opportunities in the community. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Partnerships & Resource Development

Sesame Street Legend Sonia Manzano Wowed Legacy Crowd

The Mercury News
May 23, 2017

More than $1.3 million was raised for the museum's educational hands-on exhibits and programs at the annual Legacy for Children Award gala. Sonia Manzano, the evening's honoree better known as Maria for 44 years on Sesame Street, wowed the crowd of more than 750 museum supporters, and local rock band Smash Mouth got revelers dancing to a string of hits. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Inclusion & Cultural Competence

Looking Forward with a Nod to the Past 25 Years

The Mercury News
June 20, 2015

The museum's goal 25 years ago of acquainting kids to the world around them hasn't wavered. This guiding principle has helped the venerable institution remain vital to all children and families in the community. The playful purple museum celebrates 25 years with an eye toward the future that includes an outdoor expansion. Learn More

General Museum