40th Anniversary in 2023
I went to the museum as a kid and still remember loving the submarine and post office! Now I’m so glad to be able to share that fun with my daughter. -Rachael McKinnon
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (CMNH) turns 40 in 2023, while its chosen city of Dover, NH celebrates its 400th anniversary year. The museum, one of the most visited family attractions in the state of New Hampshire, will celebrate its 40-year legacy with fun events, a nostalgic look back on how much things have evolved over the years, and by starting work on a new expansion project. CMNH is grateful for the support from Kennebunk Savings Bank, who is the exclusive sponsor of all 40th Anniversary Year celebrations.
“We support the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire because we know the early years in a child’s development are critical, and we want to do our part to help build curious and engaged kids who become lifelong learners. We also love that it’s such a huge draw for families both near and far, bringing them to the heart of the great city of Dover. And honestly, supporting CMNH is just a lot of fun! We are excited to help celebrate the museum’s forty years in the community and look forward to recognizing that milestone all year long.” –Bradford C. Paige, Kennebunk Savings Bank President & CEO
Share Your Memories!
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire has welcomed literally millions of visitors over its 40 years! Now the museum wants to capture all those stories and photos with this interactive photo contest!
Did you visit as a kid when the museum was in Portsmouth? Did you visit recently with your kids in Dover? Maybe both?! Share your pictures, stories, and indulge in some nostalgia by voting for your favorite memories below. We'll do various giveaways to the most loved photos throughout the year. The museum will get in on the fun too and we will be sharing “then and now” photos here and on social media.
Did you know that the current museum President, Jane Bard, started at the museum as an Educator? She has been known to dress up as story book characters like Amelia Bedelia (back when the museum was in Portsmouth) and routinely can be found in today’s Books Alive character costumes like the recent visit from Llama Llama!
The Communications Director, Neva Cole played in the original yellow submarine, lobster boat, and space shuttle in the Portsmouth museum as a kid, and now her 11 year daughter was raised with regular trips to the Dover location and can now show anyone around the exhibits like a pro!
If the museum has this many memories from within our staff, there are plenty more out there in the community. So dig through your albums and share yours and help the museum celebrate its 40th year of engaging families in hands-on discovery!
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES
Click on an image below and click the "heart" to vote for your favorite photo/memory! We'll be giving away some CMNH swag to the top loved photos/memories!
By submitting your photos and memories you are agreeing to:
Allow CMNH to post and share your name, photos and memories here on our website and throughout our social media.
Allow CMNH and our sponsors to use your name, quotes, and photos to promote the museum.
SUBMIT PHOTOS BELOW
Current Education Director, Xanthi Gray, has been teaching the Wee Ones PRE pre-school classes for the last 15 years. Prior to that, the current CMNH President, Jane Bard taught the popular weekly classes for the first 7 years. When asked about why they thought this particular program has enjoyed such success, Jane said, "I think it's because this is a chance for parents and children to experience a pre-school setting together. It lets the kids get comfortable with the routines of storytime, snacktime and activities, with their parents there for reassurance when needed. And then it also gives the parents a look into what they're child's strengths are and where they might need more help." Wee Ones Wednesdays take place most Wednesday mornings during the school year.
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Current Education Director, Xanthi Gray, has been teaching the Wee Ones PRE pre-school classes for the last 15 years. Prior to that, the current CMNH President, Jane Bard taught the popular weekly classes for the first 7 years. When asked about why they thought this particular program has enjoyed such success, Jane said, "I think it's because this is a chance for parents and children to experience a pre-school setting together. It lets the kids get comfortable with the routines of storytime, snacktime and activities, with their parents there for reassurance when needed. And then it also gives the parents a look into what they're child's strengths are and where they might need more help." Wee Ones Wednesdays take place most Wednesday mornings during the school year.
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Current Education Director, Xanthi Gray, has been teaching the Wee Ones PRE pre-school classes for the last 15 years. Prior to that, the current CMNH President, Jane Bard taught the popular weekly classes for the first 7 years. When asked about why they thought this particular program has enjoyed such success, Jane said, "I think it's because this is a chance for parents and children to experience a pre-school setting together. It lets the kids get comfortable with the routines of storytime, snacktime and activities, with their parents there for reassurance when needed. And then it also gives the parents a look into what they're child's strengths are and where they might need more help." Wee Ones Wednesdays take place most Wednesday mornings during the school year.
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Current Education Director, Xanthi Gray, has been teaching the Wee Ones PRE pre-school classes for the last 15 years. Prior to that, the current CMNH President, Jane Bard taught the popular weekly classes for the first 7 years. When asked about why they thought this particular program has enjoyed such success, Jane said, "I think it's because this is a chance for parents and children to experience a pre-school setting together. It lets the kids get comfortable with the routines of storytime, snacktime and activities, with their parents there for reassurance when needed. And then it also gives the parents a look into what they're child's strengths are and where they might need more help." Wee Ones Wednesdays take place most Wednesday mornings during the school year.
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In 2019, the museum was reserved for the night to celebrated 10 years of the Zebra Crossings camp, which helps many kids with complex medical needs in the Dover area. We got to explore the museum, makes some secret phone calls, and super fun desserts before celebrating the organization :)
--Annamary Geist
In 2019, the museum was reserved for the night to celebrated 10 years of the Zebra Crossings camp, which helps many kids with complex medical needs in the Dover area. We got to explore the museum, makes some secret phone calls, and super fun desserts before celebrating the organization :)
--Annamary Geist
In 2019, the museum was reserved for the night to celebrated 10 years of the Zebra Crossings camp, which helps many kids with complex medical needs in the Dover area. We got to explore the museum, makes some secret phone calls, and super fun desserts before celebrating the organization :)
--Anna-mary Geist
When the Museum was in Portsmouth, each October visitors to the Museum were greeted by this giant puppet created by Portsmouth artist and sculptor Michael Stasiuk. Visitors could tug on the ropes to move her arms and legs, but on windy days, she seemed to come to life on her own. With her arms and legs flailing, her body blocking the walkway into the Museum and her hair flailing in the wind, she could be a little frightening, but we loved her.
--Jane Bard
The Museum has a long history of welcoming book characters to the Museum through its Books Alive! program. In the early days the staff loved it so much, they decided to welcome the entire bear family to the Museum at the same time! Although very popular, those bears sure did take up a lot of space when they walked in a room!
--Jane Bard
