About us:

HCM is a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to provide a hands-on, interactive museum where children (ages 2-12) and their families can explore and learn together. The museum offers a wide range of activities including culture, science and technology. All activities and exhibits are designed so young minds can "explore more."

While HCM has been through many changes during the last several years, one thing has remained constant...our mission! Harrisonburg Children’s Museum engages young minds through interactive, multi-sensory learning experiences that promote greater understanding of themselves and their world.

Past to Present...

In January 2002, a focus group assembled to determine the feasibility of museum in the Harrisonburg area. By summer 2002, HCM became a reality with the launch of a “mobile museum” created to introduce the children’s museum concept to the community. This highly successful exhibit series enabled HCM to form valuable partnerships and serve thousands of children through educational outreach.

The following year a temporary home was secured at 30 N. Main Street where HCM hosted Metamorphosis, a seven-week program that served over 7,000 participants! In October 2003, HCM reopened as a permanent museum at 30 N. Main Street with an executive director and part-time staff. We remain in this location today!

Future

Working in partnership with the entire community and a professional master planning team, HCM plans to transform the former A&N building into a first-class museum that will be a true destination for families throughout the region.

This new location has nearly six times the space of HCM’s current location and will enable us to expand our offerings to better serve the needs of all area children.