Children’s Museum History

October 12, 2025

JLOCNY Children’s Museum Focus Group Registration is Now OPEN!

Join a Focus Group and Help Shape the Future of the Children’s Museum of Orange County!

We’re thrilled to announce that we are now hosting two types of focus groups to help shape the vision and design of the future Children’s Museum of Orange County—one for adults and one for children! Your voice, and your child’s voice, can help create a museum that serves and inspires families across our region for generations to come.

By participating, you’ll be part of a historic initiative to bring a dynamic, hands-on learning and play space to life—crafted with direct input from the very people who will use and love it.

Adult Focus Groups

For parents, caregivers, and educators living in Orange County. Your insights will help ensure the museum reflects the needs, values, and creativity of our community.

Children’s Focus Groups

For children ages 7–12 living in Orange County. Children will have the chance to share their ideas for exhibits, activities, and experiences—because who knows better what sparks imagination than children themselves?

How Registration Works

HERE is the application form for the adult focus groups.

HERE is the application form for the children’s focus groups.

When you submit your application for either focus group, you will be entered into a randomized lottery to participate. If selected, you will be notified and confirmed for participation by October 20th via email and phone call.

Alternates will also be named and may be invited if additional spots open—so every application matters!

Focus Group Dates

Please review and select your preferred date options on the application forms when applying.

Let’s create a museum where curiosity, creativity, and learning come alive for every family in Orange County!

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September 1, 2025:

Help Shape the Future of a Children’s Museum in Orange County!

Imagine a children’s museum designed with the ideas and voices of our own community. The Junior League of Orange County, NY is exploring this exciting possibility—and we want to hear from YOU.

Please take a few minutes to complete our brief community survey. Your input will guide what the museum might look like, the experiences it can offer, and how it can serve families across our county.

Together, we can build a vibrant space where children learn, play, and grow.

Share your voice—complete the survey HERE.

Comparte tu voz—completa la encuesta AQUÍ.

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June 26, 2025

Get Involved as we Bring a Children’s Museum to Orange County!

We’re building something special—a children’s museum right here in Orange County, NY! Your voice matters. Please take a moment to complete our brief survey and let us know how you’d like to get involved. Whether you want to volunteer, share ideas, or support in other ways, there are many levels of opportunity.

 

Together, we can create a vibrant space for our community’s children to learn and play. We are better together—join us in making this dream a reality!

 

Complete the survey HERE.

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Junior League of Orange County Launches Feasibility Study for Children’s Museum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2025

The Junior League of Orange County (JLOC) is excited to announce the launch of a feasibility study to explore creating a Children’s Museum in Orange County, NY. This initiative aims to assess community needs, identify potential sites, and develop a sustainable plan for a museum that will serve local families for generations.

JLOC has engaged Sue Sullivan of iSER Consulting to lead the study. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and deep ties to Orange County, Sullivan brings both professional expertise and local insight to the project.

“There is tremendous potential for a children’s museum to become a beloved space for learning, play, and connection,” said Ginny Townsend, JLOC President. “Sue’s leadership ensures our approach is grounded in experience, equity, and impact.”

Currently, Orange County lacks a dedicated children’s museum. This project seeks to fill that gap by creating an inclusive, enriching space for children and families to explore, learn, and thrive. The museum will reflect the diversity of the community and be accessible and welcoming to all.

JLOC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with over 100 years of service, has a strong track record of identifying unmet needs and mobilizing volunteers and partners to deliver transformational projects. Junior Leagues nationwide have historically been leaders in founding children’s museums, making JLOC well-positioned to spearhead this effort locally.

The feasibility study will feature broad community engagement, including:

  • Stakeholder interviews with educators, youth advocates, and civic leaders
  • Countywide surveys and listening sessions
  • Youth-focused activities to gather ideas directly from children
  • Site and funding strategy development with regional partners

The museum is expected to boost regional economic development by supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and attracting families from the tri-state area, one of the most populous regions in the country.

JLOC invites community members, organizations, and leaders to get involved and help shape this vision. To participate or stay informed, follow @jlocny on Instagram or contact president@jlocny.org.

Media Contact:
Ginny Townsend
President, JLOC
402-415-9434
president@jlocny.org
Instagram: @jlocny