Children's Museum Bringing Programs To Ossining

OSSINING, N.Y. – With the Westchester Children’s Museum more than 18 months away from opening, Ossining’s Kim Jeffrey is hoping to get the word out that new programs are starting much sooner.

“It seems like at this point that Ossining in general doesn’t know about what we’re doing and all of these amazing programs that are right around the corner,” Jeffrey said Wednesday night. “The fact that there is a Westchester Children’s Museum in concept, all of the surrounding towns should celebrate it, because we have so many families and children who will be able to use it right here, and they can get involved right now.”

Jeffrey, the museum’s newly appointed Ossining and Westchester community ambassador, urged local officials to get involved with the museum’s upcoming program in a special kick-off celebration Wednesday night at the Ossining Boat House. The Westchester Children’s Museum is under construction in the historic North Bathhouse of Playland Amusement Park in Rye. Museum supporters say they are about $6 million away from a $15 million goal to open the new museum in less than two years.

Tracy Kay, the museum’s executive director, said the group is not waiting two years to unveil new programs.

“It’s a museum in the making, and we have a new program called Museum Without Walls that really runs the gamut as far as science, math and cultural programs,” Kay said. “We want to get the word out that we have programs that are around before the museum opens, and we want community organizations to get involved with us so we can start bringing the fun to children and families now.”

Ossining Superintendent of Schools Phyllis Glassman said she hadn’t heard much more than rumors about the museum before Wednesday night, but she hopes the schools become “deeply involved” with the museum.

“This is a museum that is integrating factors like music, science and the arts, and it ties in and aligns very well with the Ossining school district’s mission,” Glassman said. “I believe this could really broaden and enhance our students’ educational programming. The idea that they have a Museum Without Walls enables us to partner immediately before construction is complete.”

Glassman added that she hopes the Museum Without Walls program will be a “big programming piece” at the district this school year.

To find out more about the Westchester Children’s Museum or to donate to the museum’s construction, visit the museum’s website and Facebook page.

Click here to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts.