Dear Friends and Supporters,

Welcome to our newsletter dedicated to all things Imagine! We’re excited to bring you this newsletter—a window into all the wonder happening at Imagine Children’s Museum. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of the vibrant Pacific Northwest community that lifts us up. Your support fuels our mission to enrich children’s lives through the power of playful learning, and we’re excited to show you how your generosity is creating real, joyful change.

We are so grateful to you and the broader PNW community for the phenomenal support that you provide to Imagine Children’s Museum to further our mission to enrich children’s lives through playful learning. Our promise to you is to show you on a regular basis how your gifts to Imagine are helping us make a real difference in the lives of children and families. Each day our lives are enriched by the smiles, giggles, and delight of children who visit. Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers all recognize the power of Imagine to bring joy and wonder to the lives of those they care for.

Thanks to your incredible support, Imagine continues to shine as the top destination for family learning in Snohomish County—and we’re reaching families from all across the Pacific Northwest, the U.S., and even the world! Here, children stretch their minds, bodies, and creativity. They build, explore, pretend, connect, and grow—all while being cheered on by caring adults and a dedicated team who believe in the power of play.

As you read through stories of our latest programs and playful adventures, we hope you feel proud—because you’re part of something truly meaningful. You’re part of a growing community that believes deeply in the power of childhood and the importance of investing in our future.

So go ahead—imagine what we can do next, together. The possibilities are as boundless as a child’s imagination.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth (Elee) Wood, CEO 

“Preschool-age children stand to lose the most with this decision.
But with the support of our community, we can ensure early learning
opportunities remain strong for years to come.” — Elee Wood, CEO

We believe every child deserves the chance to discover, learn, and dream — no matter their circumstances.

That’s why Imagine Children’s Museum launched Little Science Lab, bringing
free, hands-on science and math experiences to preschool-age children across Snohomish County. Through partnerships with public libraries, community centers, and preschools, we provide playful, interactive sessions that foster early learning and build strong foundations for future success.

Recently, we faced an unexpected challenge.

A significant $250,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services
(IMLS), awarded through their prestigious Museums for America program, was
unexpectedly terminated amidst federal funding cuts. This grant was intended to fund the expansion of Little Science Lab over three years. Without it, hundreds of young children and their caregivers risk losing access to these vital early learning opportunities.

What’s more concerning: the termination came without warning or explanation. Despite meeting all grant requirements and deadlines, we received a generic notification that did not comply with IMLS’s own procedures for terminating awards.

But here’s what’s more important: we’re not giving up.

Thanks to the resilience of our team and the strength of our community, we have already begun reallocating internal resources to ensure that Little Science Lab continues through June 2025, and we are actively seeking new funding to sustain the program beyond that.

What We’re Doing:

• Reallocating Resources: ensuring that Little Science Lab will continue without interruption through June 2025.
• Seeking Community Support: reaching out to local champions, donors, and partners to secure alternative funding opportunities.
• Raising Awareness: advocating for the importance of early childhood education and ensuring this program remains a priority for our community’s future.

The Museums for America Grant: Why It Matters

The Museums for America grant is the largest funding opportunity provided by IMLS, the nation’s primary source of federal support for libraries and museums. In 2024, Imagine Children’s Museum was proud to be one of only 115 museums nationwide — and just two institutions in Washington state — selected to receive this highly competitive award, part of $23 million pledged nationwide for exhibitions, educational programs, research, and public service initiatives.

Thanks to support from the Port of Everett, we’re bringing hands-on, real-world learning straight into local classrooms, like a recent fourth-grade lesson all about how goods move around the globe and right through Everett’s own port.

Our Imagine educator kicked things off with an interactive map highlighting key locations: the students’ school, the Museum, and the Port of Everett. Eyes lit up and hands shot into the air as students spotted familiar places and began connecting the dots.

A quick side-by-side of a barge at the port versus a semi-truck sparked some serious “whoa!” moments as the class wrapped their heads around the sheer scale of global shipping.

Then came the first challenge: Check your tag—where was your shirt made? What about your water bottle? Students shouted out countries from all over the world, setting the stage for the big question: How did those items get all the way to Everett?

In small groups, students traced the journey of everyday objects from their origins to the Port, choosing the routes, the transportation methods, and the obstacles along the way. The activity turned big global concepts into an engaging, hands-on experience they won’t soon forget.

Programs like this are possible because of the Port of Everett’s investment in sparking curiosity, building connections, and helping kids see the real-world impact of what they’re learning in the classroom.

Through an ongoing partnership that began in 2012, this program has introduced fourth-grade students to the Port of Everett’s role in global trade. Until recently, participation was limited to schools within the Port’s direct service area, but thanks to expanded funding in fall 2024, we’re now able to offer this hands-on learning experience to every school in Snohomish County.

Made Possible by The Port of Everett

Spring into STEM during Community
Access Night!

Spring Into STEM welcomed families for a free evening of discovery, connection, and playful learning! As a special edition of our Community Access Night on April 18, 2025, the event invited children and caregivers to explore age-appropriate STEM experiences that support early skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.

With hands-on activities from trusted community partners—including Snohomish County PUD, Sno-Isle Libraries, WSU Extension 4-H, and more—Spring Into STEM helped spark curiosity and build confidence in STEM learning. Held in partnership with Snohomish STEM, this event exemplifies how community partnerships help us break down barriers, expand access, and inspire the next generation of innovators.

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Happiest Hour 21+

May 22, 2025, 5:30 – 8 p.m.

The power of play doesn’t stop at childhood. Our new Happiest Hour event series invites adults to experience the wonder of Imagine Children’s Museum while helping make that same joy possible for the next generation. Every ticket directly supports the exhibits, programs, and outreach that bring hands-on learning to hundreds of thousands of children and families in our community.

YOU Make Playful Learning Possible

Every time a child builds, explores, or imagines at Imagine Children’s Museum, it’s because of supporters like you. Your generosity fuels the exhibits, programs, and outreach that inspire learning and open doors for all children, regardless of their background.

Join us in shaping the next generation of thinkers, makers, and dreamers.

GIVE NOW