2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum first opening its doors. Originally a transmission shop, the Nipomo Street location operated for 14 years before being entirely rebuilt and then relaunched in 2008.
As part of the board’s ongoing efforts to keep the exhibits fresh and engaging, the long-anticipated Mission to Mars exhibit will be opening this month. Composed of a capsule, mission control and Martian habitat, this exhibit encourages guests to explore science and technology activities, and puts them in control of a realistic launch and exploration scenario. The Museum thanks its many exhibit donors for their support, in particular Roy and Linda Rawlings.
Also launching this year is an ambitious SESLOC-sponsored program that will encourage all SLO County elementary schools to participate. Each school will be given the opportunity to exclusively visit the Museum for an evening. Their time may be used as a fundraising activity, incentive or celebration. Invitations to all schools will be delivered during the spring, with a fall 2020 kick off.
Dozens of dedicated locals have served the Children’s Museum as board members over the years, steering it steadily through recessions, capital campaigns and growth. Most recently, the Board of Directors added six new members to its ranks and elected a new executive team. Sacha Steele, Jennifer Prather Nankervis, Carlee Starkey, Tony Gomes, Tyler Skinner and Dr. Ryan McGaughey have been elected to three-year terms. Officers include Kelli Fite (president), Annie Braff (vice president), Craig Filipponi (treasurer) and Ann Dinh (secretary). Returning directors include Linda Minton, Colby Courter, Matt Pearce and Maureen Vazquez.
The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum inspires learning through play for children ages 2-10, and is located at 1010 Nipomo Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Visit www.slocm.org for visitor and program information.