Local children’s museums join forces
Aim is to expand regional impact, increase efficiency
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (CMAS) and The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) announced today that they have entered into a formal management agreement, with the intent to merge in the future. The two organizations will initially continue under their own brand identities as they work toward a combined entity, joint programming and a new shared location at the Lincoln Bathhouse in Saratoga State Park. Under the new agreement, CMAS will manage all aspects of operations, programming, and administration for CMOST, reducing overhead and redundant costs.
Sarah Smith, Executive Director for the Children’s Museum at Saratoga (CMAS) said, “This is an exciting time for our organizations. We have an opportunity ahead to expand our programming and reach more students and families as a truly regional organization. Together, we can deliver our programming in a variety of settings—at our museum in Saratoga, in classrooms throughout the Capital Region, with community partners, and online.”
“The missions of our organizations are already closely aligned with a shared passion for serving the children of our region,” said Chris Horne, Interim Executive Director for the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST). “Our affiliation will capitalize on the strengths of each organization, while driving operational synergies to reduce costs.”
The new management structure under CMAS is well-positioned to continue driving leadership in children’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programming, which is the hallmark of CMOST. Prior to her role as CMAS Executive Director, Smith served as Education Director for CMOST. “We look forward to leveraging Sarah’s expertise and working with the CMAS team to bring the scope and scale of STEM learning to new heights,” added Horne.
Mark Eagan, President and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth added, “We applaud this spirit of collaboration and regional thinking, and see this as an excellent first step toward a stronger organization. Together, their programming will continue to inspire, educate, entertain and prepare the region’s workforce of the future.”
Annamaria Bellantoni, Vice President of Tourism for the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce said, “We welcome the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology, their board, staff, and families to their new home in Saratoga and we are confident they will thrive alongside top technology organizations such as GlobalFoundries, HVCC’s TEC-SMART, Prime Turbine Parts, SteadFast IT, among others.”
Together, the two museums serve 100,000 people annually from approximately thirteen counties in upstate New York. There are no changes planned to staffing and programming at this time. CMOST is in the process of refurbishing and relocating exhibits and will not reopen their location in the Rensselaer Technology Park, which has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic.