Museums for All to increase accessibility of high-quality museum exhibits and science education
Newport News, VA (May 21, 2024) Today, the Virginia Living Museum (VLM) announced its participation in Museums for All. This exceptional Museum milestone is made possible by a generous gift creating the Dr. Lawrence J. Sacks Community Education and Outreach Program.
Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), encourages people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. With over 850 participating institutions nationwide, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, and history museums, Museums for All helps expand access to museums and raise public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire communities.
Dr. Lawrence J. Sacks was an educator and scientist. His legacy promoting science education in Hampton Roads for over 50 years is now confirmed by this incredible gift to his beloved community institution. In addition to teaching, Larry was a scholar, researcher, consultant, poet, gardener, and all-around fix-it man. He was also known to thousands of 6th grade science students in the late 1970s from his televised program, Science Spectrum. His profound impact as an educator, scientist, and community leader was recognized by the VLM in 2018 with the highest volunteer honor, the Gloria Lombardi Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Throughout his long tenure at the VLM, Larry supported learning by presenting Chemical Magic shows, Touch Pool interpretation, telescope viewing experiences, and animal programs supporting numerous changing exhibits; and as a volunteer fundraiser helping to raise $100,000 for the main Museum building that opened in 2004.
Now, Dr. Sacks continues to inspire learners of all ages through the Museums for All initiative, which aims to break down barriers to education and create a more inclusive society. After 32 years of volunteer service, Dr. Sacks has posthumously enabled the VLM to significantly tackle two major strategic initiatives: increasing impact and expanding reach.
Effective immediately, individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can explore the wonders of natural science at the VLM for a nominal fee of $3.00 per person, with a maximum of four individuals per SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This initiative builds upon the foundation laid in 2002 by the Museum’s Community Education Program which provided educational experiences through charitable nonprofit community groups, including those served by human service agencies.
The VLM’s participation in Museums for All represents a significant milestone and underscores 57 years of relevancy and dedication to connecting people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation. “In a region so heavily invested in science careers, the Museum inspires all learners to engage with the beauty of nature. Dr. Sacks’s wish to bring science education to our community is now attained. What a gift for our community and our future scientists, doctors, and conservationists. What a legacy!” Rebecca Kleinhample, Executive Director.
For more information on Museums for All and the Dr. Lawrence J. Sacks Community Education and Outreach Program at the Virginia Living Museum, please visit www.theVLM.org.
About the Virginia Living Museum
The Virginia Living Museum is a leader in natural living exhibits. Native Virginia mammals, marine life, reptiles, amphibians, birds, plants and planets are presented in natural ecosystems that connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation.
Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (living exhibits) and the American Alliance of Museums (non-live collections), the Museum’s high standards are its hallmark, as only 14 institutions share this designation in the country. The Museum is a certified Virginia Green attraction dedicated to environmentally friendly practices and education.
Created by the Warwick Rotary Club and Junior League of Hampton Roads in 1966, the Museum is an independent 501c3 organization of efficiency with volunteers outnumbering staff by approximately 7 to 1.
Located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News (I-64, exit 258-A), hours are 9 to 5 daily. Learn more at thevlm.org, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or LinkedIn, or call 757-595-1900.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. TO learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Association of Children’s Museums (ACM)
The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) champions children’s museums worldwide. With more than 460 members in 50 states and 16 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children’s museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination. Learn more at www.childrensmuseums.org.
