Our Mission
The mission of the Children’s Museum of the Northeast Kingdom is to foster curiosity, creativity, and connection in children through play-based learning experiences that connect them to the art, history, and culture of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
The Children’s Museum of the Northeast Kingdom is a Vermont nonprofit organization and a federally recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
The Children’s Museum of the Northeast Kingdom is a proud member of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), a national organization dedicated to advancing excellence in children’s museums through play based learning, community engagement, and professional standards.
How Many Families Could Be Reached in Vermont
The Children's Museum of the Northeast Kingdom (CMNEK) has the potential to reach tens of thousands of families throughout Vermont and neighboring states. With a discovery campus and downtown sites, CMNEK can provide year-round engagement, learning, and play opportunities for rural families and children.
Estimated Reach by Region
- Vermont has approximately 108,000 households with children under 18.
- Roughly 16,000 families live in the Northeast Kingdom alone.
- CMNEK could attract over 30,000-50,000 annual family visits from across Vermont, NH, MA, and Quebec within 3-5 years.
- Over 100 schools could participate in field trips, special events, and youth leadership programming.
How CMNEK Can Help Reduce Outmigration
Many families leave Vermont due to lack of affordable family resources, cultural programming, and opportunities for their children.
CMNEK can:
- Make the NEK a more attractive place to raise children by creating a regional destination for family engagement.
- Boost rural pride by celebrating local heritage, trades, and nature-based learning.
- Provide inclusive, year-round, multi-generational activities that support child development and family well-being.
- Encourage young families and professionals to stay by enriching the cultural and educational infrastructure.
- Support local workforce development through trade-focused exhibits and career exploration.
A thriving museum isn't just a place to visit - it's a reason to stay.
By investing in CMNEK, we're investing in the future of Vermont's families.