Mid-Hudson Children's Museum announces new direction and name



The museum will now be serving children ages through 12 years old

Local children's museum gets new name


Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum (MHCM), the ideal destination for children and families with exhibits that focus on early literacy, art, early STEM, health and the local community, today unveiled an extensive rebranding effort.

At the heart of this rebranding is a change of the organization's name to Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum (MHDM), which reflects a broadened effort to serve children during their early stages of development and learning.        

An anchor of the Hudson Valley for 33 years, the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, in the wake of COVID, is launching a new era, under new leadership, by expanding its audience and programming while repositioning itself as a critical link between formal and informal education, with an emphasis on STEM.

The Museum's bold vision for the future includes a dynamic strategy implemented by a new executive director—Jeffrey Sasson. This strategy centers on a reimagined, expanded relationship with regional school districts that revolves around the Museum as a catalyst for strengthening the bond between its informal educational environment and the more formal learning that takes place in area schools on a daily basis.

“It’s a major milestone for the Museum to become synonymous with educating our youth in the Hudson Valley and to empower them to become the best versions of themselves,” says Sasson. “This new brand and evolving positioning perfectly illustrates our growing ambition to serve the children and their parents with the best possible experience and education.”

Now, as a result of a strategic assessment and visioning process, MHDM has extended the age range of the children it serves. With the addition of its new science exhibition, Science Revealed!, combined with richer and more relevant STEM programming, MHDM aims to elevate a child’s ability and appreciation for learning through age 12.

READ MORE: Easy rainy day STEM activity for little ones

During a private event at the Museum on Thursday, Sept. 22, Executive Director Jeffrey Sasson, members of the Board of Trustees, Poughkeepsie City School District Superintendent Dr. Eric Rosser, and Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison will discuss the impact of the changes shaping MHDM’s future. They will be joined by school superintendents and principals from throughout the region, as well as community leaders from the business, tourism and philanthropic sectors.

The Museum’s second floor has been transformed into a vibrant and fully interactive exhibit gallery called Science Revealed! - a dynamic science gallery that creates meaningful and memorable engagement for families with children up to age 12. The exhibition consists of 17 custom-made, hands-on science exhibits that invite visitors into full-body physical exploration of motion, air, forces, fluids, and magnetism.

A meaningful grant has been awarded for the Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market, making it a key growth initiative for the Museum. Future plans include the pavilion being an enclosed year-round facility that will also house a commercial kitchen for cooking demonstrations and lessons on how to prepare healthy and creative nutritious dishes, as well as hosting workshops on experimenting with food for children, families, and adults. Plans also include having the Market operate multiple days of the week with approximately twenty vendors.

About the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum:

The Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum is the ideal destination for families with children ages 0-12. With exhibits that focus on early literacy, art, STEM, and the local community, the Museum provides an educationally-rich environment through which children have the opportunity to develop foundational skills, engage in purposeful play, and develop interpersonal connections. The Museum is located in the heart of Poughkeepsie’s historic Hudson River waterfront, near Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park and Waryas Park, just steps away from the Poughkeepsie Metro-North and Amtrak train stations. Visit mhcm.org or call (845) 471-0589 for hours, admission, membership, and more information.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Kids aren't eating fruits and veggies

    Happiest Baby's Dr. Harvey Karp has tips to change that

    A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 32% of 1- to 5-year-olds did not eat a single piece of fruit a day and nearly one half (~49%) didn't eat any vegetables a day. Roughly 51% drank a sugar-sweetened beverage, like fruit drinks or soda, at least once a week. read more »
  • 5 sleep habits essential for heart health

    Make sure you get your zzz's with these tips

    In the days following a time change due to daylight saving time, research shows a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes. However, losing sleep anytime can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. read more »
  • Take these 6 steps to manage your blood pressure

    Hypertension can be dangerous

    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of adults in the United States, and only about 1 in 4 with this condition have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). read more »
  • Make your St. Patrick's Day spread green with envy

    These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or an appetizer

    Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family. read more »
  • Lucky mint brownie perfection

    A twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate

    How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year. read more »
  • 3 ways parents can encourage social emotional learning in children

    Parents focus on social emotional skills, mental health, kindness and understanding differences

    Most parents would agree the quality of their children’s education plays a key role in their overall development. While parents are optimistic about the future of education, they also recognize children have educational needs beyond what is considered the standard. read more »
  • Selecting a health care provider

    Resources to guide your selection

    Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you’re just getting started with Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home health care. read more »
  • 5 simple solutions for proper nasal hygiene

    Keep your nasal passages clean, clear and moisturized

    Your nose is essential for conditioning the air you breathe and serves as the first line of defense against dust, pollution, bacteria, viruses and more. The presence of these substances in your nasal passages can trigger infections, disease and illness. read more »
  • Have a bump on your foot?

    Don’t ignore it

    Have a lump or bump on your foot? Whether it’s painful or not, it could potentially signal a serious condition. Foot and ankle surgeons warn it’s important to have it checked out, no matter its size or location on your foot. read more »
  • Fun Easter 'Egg-turnatives'

    4 creative alternatives to decorating eggs this Easter

    While decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates back centuries, the high cost of eggs may make it more difficult for some families this year. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find creative ways to keep the season special and create memories with loved ones. read more »