About Us

The Great Lakes Children’s Museum is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. The museum was created to provide hands-on, interactive, and informal educational environments for children and the adults in their lives that invite curiosity, allow exploration, encourage participation and celebrate the child-like wonder in all of us.

The museum has accomplished that mission since 1998, offering hands-on educational opportunities to the children and families in Michigan’s Northern Lower Michigan, the Midwest, U.S., and Canada.

The museum was incorporated as a Michigan nonprofit corporation in 1998. It obtained formal acknowledgment of its tax-exempt status from the IRS in 2000.

Our Mission

The Great Lakes Children’s Museum provides a foundation for lifelong learning through play-based exploration.

Why Is It Important?

We believe every child can benefit from having a safe and welcoming place to explore the world around them at their own pace and in their own way. Great Lakes Children’s Museum exhibits and programs are designed to provide those opportunities for learning as a foundation to developing a lifelong love of learning.

Children also benefit from interaction with adult caregivers – and that benefit increases with quantity of interaction and frequency. Children’s museums, in general, help children learn through play and help adults learn TO play. Both parties benefit from the experience.

Our Next Chapter: Museum 3.0

Museum 3.0 reimagines and repositions the Great Lakes Children’s Museum as a community-based hub for nonprofit excellence that extends learning opportunities beyond toddlers to include teens, adults, and elders.

It creates a fusion of experiences: a Children’s Museum with hands-on, play-based learning; a Science Center featuring interactive exhibits and STEM labs; an Art Center with creative studios and rotating exhibits; and a Cultural Commons with storytelling spaces and gathering places that celebrate our community’s rich history. In partnership with educators, artists, youth, scientists, and families, it fosters cross-sector programming that delivers lasting economic, social, and environmental value.

Want to know more and join us in building the future together? Email Tracie MacPherson, Executive Director, at tracie@glcm.org.

Our Vision & Core Values

Together, we cultivate curious kids!

Kids

The center of everything we do

Curiosity

Encourage creativity, play and life-long learning

Integrity

Do the right thing, even when it is hard

Collaboration

Intentionally seek meaningful and lasting relationships

Inclusivity

Value, respect and welcome everyone

Board & Staff
Community Fundraising Support

Media Releases

Click the links below for PDF news releases & media advisories. Links will open in a new window.

If you would like to be added to our media list, please email your name, media outlet, and contact information to impact@glcm.org.

Press Releases & Media Information

Job Postings

We are not currently hiring.

If you are interested in working at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, you may send a resume to info@glcm.org and we will reach out if a position becomes available.

Check out our unpaid positions on our Volunteering Page!