Children’s Museum Houston awarded $2.5 million Lilly Endowment Inc. grant to launch initiative supporting character development

HOUSTON (Dec. 5, 2024) – Children’s Museum Houston (CMH) is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $2.5 million grant by Lilly Endowment Inc. to implement new programming that helps families explore character development. This initiative, set to launch in2025 and continue through 2029, supports the desires of Houston parents and caregivers to foster the traits of integrity, collaboration, kindness, critical thinking, autonomy, and respect in their children.

CMH is one of 15 children’s museums nationwide being funded through Lilly Endowment’s initiative Fostering Character Through Children’s Museums, underscoring the Museum’s position as a national leader in advancing children’s learning through family engagement.

“Children’s museums are places where children of all ages can learn informally, discovering new ideas through play, multi-sensory experiences and self-expression,” said Ted Maple, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for education and youth programs. “We are excited to see how the museums funded through this initiative will help children and their families to explore various character traits and reflect together on ways these traits can be practiced and strengthened.”

FOSTERING CHARACTER WITH HOUSTON FAMILIES: ADVANCING LEARNING TOGETHER

CMH collaborated with community advisors, educators, and families to develop an ambitious plan for embedding character development into every facet of the Museum’s work. Guided by lead advisor Dr. Allegra Midgette from Texas A&M University, the Museum crafted a blueprint that will empower children to build character through play, learning, and community engagement.

“Our goal is simple but powerful: to help families foster character traits which shape thoughtful, compassionate, and curious kids,” said Children’s Museum Houston CEO Rayanne Darensbourg.  “This grant from Lilly Endowment enables us to dive deep into creating experiences that inspire growth and learning both in the Museum and at home.”

WHAT’S NEXT? A SNEAK PEEK AT THE VISION

The plan is ambitious, but so are we! Over the next five years, we’ll use this funding to bring character-building to life through six dynamic engagement strategies:

1. ‍Exhibits as Curated Spaces for Learning: Imagine hands-on, interactive exhibits designed to spark collaboration and cultivate kindness. From toddler spaces to advanced STEM areas, every gallery will embed opportunities for character exploration.‍
2. A Team That Embodies Our Values: Our staff will undergo specialized training to reflect and model these character traits, creating a Museum experience where kids not only learn but also see positive traits in action.‍
3. Gallery Programs with Depth: Look forward to immersive programs that help visitors dig deeper into the “how” behind good character.‍
4. Outreach into the Community: We’re not stopping at the Museum doors. Expect exciting new partnerships and programs that extend character-building experiences into neighborhoods and homes.‍
5. Partnerships That Elevate Impact: Collaborations with community organizations will help us amplify our reach and bring diverse perspectives to the table.‍
6. Communications That Inspire: Through thoughtful storytelling and innovative campaigns, we’ll connect with families and invite them to join us on this character-building journey.

Starting in 2025, CMH will refresh six existing galleries to incorporate character-building elements, followed by the launch of five brand-new or fully overhauled exhibits between 2026 and 2028. A highlight will be the new Viva Village exhibit area, designed specifically for preschoolers to foster early helping behaviors as a foundation to collaboration skills in later years.

To ensure sustainability, CMH will implement a robust staff development program focusing on character traits, supported by Dr. Margaret Beier of Rice University. New onboarding systems and training modules delivered in collaboration with the Harmony Academy national organization will embed these values into the Museum’s culture, ensuring every guest interaction reinforces the program’s mission.

A COMMUNITY-CENTERED APPROACH

We believe this work is for everyone—and we mean everyone. This initiative aligns with CMH’s mission to transform communities through innovative child-centered learning that improves the trajectories of all children.  Our commitment to equity means that character-building opportunities will be designed for relevance and accessibility to all children. With close to 140,000 outreach participants at more than 340 partner locations annually and 35 to 40% of visitors entering the Museum for free, this initiative will meet children and families where they are, engendering a sense of belonging and inspiring learning.

“We believe that fostering character in children can lead to profound, lasting change. If we can help families do this in the Museum, their homes, and other community settings, we’re setting them up for success far beyond the walls of our Museum,” said Darensbourg. “This program will provide families with the tools to nurture integrity, respect, and critical thinking, shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators.”