The mission of Stepping Stones Museum for children is to broaden and enrich the educational opportunities for children ages ten and under and to enhance their understanding of the world. The museum seeks to create an environment that inspires lifelong learning, and supports parents, caregivers and educator's as facilitators of children's explorations.

Description:
To achieve its mission, the museum builds collaborations and pursues strategies that welcome all families to join in the Stepping Stones learning community. As a multi-dimensional resource in the region, the museum offers exhibits, programs and services that take an interactive approach to promote early learning.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children invites children to explore, imagine, create and discover new experiences every time they visit! All of our exhibits, designed for children ages 1 to 10, encourage hands-on exploration and discovery, incorporating the themes of Science & Technology, The Arts, Culture and Heritage.

History:
Recognizing the importance of the formative years and the lack of an interactive learning resource in our area for young children, the founder conducted a survey of 11,000 parents in public and private schools in 1992. An unusually high percentage responded, with an overwhelming 97 percent indicating a strong desire for creating a children's museum in Fairfield County. A separate survey among teachers of children up to ten years old was similarly affirming. This powerful response compelled us to move forward with our vision for Stepping Stones Museum for Children.

With early financial support, additional research of educators and numerous leading children's museums across the country was conducted. Late in 1992, a reputable, experienced museum operational organization was engaged to assess the potential market and to assess the financial feasibility of establishing and operating an education-based, hands-on museum for young children in southwestern Connecticut. Again, the results were most encouraging. With a growing, enthusiastic and actively involved group of volunteer parents, educators and business leaders, the organization expanded. A site search determined that Norwalk, Connecticut was an ideal location. The City tore down its old public works garage and granted SSMC a long-term lease of this site in historic Mathews Park.

Centerbrook Architects was engaged to design the building and Jeff Kennedy Associates to design the exhibits. An experienced Executive Director was hired and a growing professional staff assembled to coordinate all aspects of development, project management and fund-raising. By December 1999 the building was completed and exhibits installed. After a testing and staff training period, the museum opened to the public in March 2000.

Contact person: Tammi Small, Adult Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (203) 899-0530

Address:

Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue Norwalk, CT 06850 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org

Directions:

See website for directions.

Miscellaneous Information

Does your agency have weekend volunteer opportunities?
	Yes
Does your agency have evening volunteer opportunities?
	Yes
Does your agecny accept court ordered communituy service volunteers?
	No
Does your agency accept and coordinate group projects for corporate volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept and coordinate group projects for youth volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept youth volunteers ages 8-13 with adult supervision?
	Yes
Does your agency accept youth volunteers ages 14-18?
	Yes