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


  • Save a life from stroke

    Tips from the American Stroke Association

    Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age – even young people. Despite being one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States, strokes are largely preventable, treatable and beatable – if you can control your risk factors. read more »
  • Take steps now to protect your vision

    Regular eye exams are the best thing you can do

    Your quality of life and overall well-being depend on developing healthy habits. These practices are essential to your eye health. read more »
  • How women experience heart disease differently

    Symptoms are not always obvious

    Most people think of heart attacks as debilitating pain in the chest. However, that’s not always the case, especially for women, and missing the signs can be a matter of life and death. read more »
  • Serve a simple pasta salad this summer

    A quick and easy dish your family will love

    Some summertime dishes are just too good to be true. This Easy Pasta Salad is simple enough to become a favorite side and filling enough to serve as a light main course. read more »
  • Combatting Cracked Concrete

    Causes of failing concrete and how to solve them

    Concrete is a strong, durable and easy-to-maintain material that is popular for driveways, walkways, patios and more. Like most materials, though, it can inevitably wear down over time. read more »
  • A Step-By-Step Guide to Changing Your Own Oil

    It's easier than you think

    Changing your vehicle’s oil is a crucial maintenance task that can extend its life and improve performance. It’s also a task many DIYers can handle on their own with just a few tools. read more »
  • Create a Cozy Outdoor Space with a Backyard Firepit

    Time to make a warm and inviting outdoor retreat

    A firepit can serve as a warm and inviting backyard retreat, perfect for roasting marshmallows for s’mores or stargazing while wrapped in cozy blankets. read more »
  • Phones Down, Eyes Up™

    Campaign to reduce distractions and increase water safety

    May’s National Water Safety Month, the campaign aims to reduce distractions and improve water safety awareness, specifically targeting families as they head to pools and waterfronts this summer. read more »
  • Enjoy a light summer lunch

    Make broccoli the star of this dish

    Try this broccoli salad. It makes an ideal light lunch or simple summer side. read more »
  • 2025 Free Fishing Days in New York State

    No freshwater fishing license required to fish on designated days

    Governor Kathy Hochul has announced designated Free Fishing Days in New York will take place on: June 28-29, September 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. read more »