In February 2000 the Board of Trustees launched the Museum's second capital campaign, this time for $500,000+ (five times its 1994 campaign) so we could create a New Building for the New Century. They had found a building that was available to purchase — 69 Caroline Street in downtown Saratoga Springs — and they could envision it filled with new exhibits that would engage children and their caretakers in an exciting quest for learning and fun.

All Board members participated, pledging almost $60,000 collectively before the campaign was announced to the public. This three-year capital campaign is intended to help defray the costs of $1.3 million. As of January 2004, over 425 generous individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations have contributed to the campaign. To reach its goal, the Museum still needs to receive almost $50,000 more, enabling us to complete the following:

Finishing touches to workshop rooms, admission desk area, exhibits throughout the Museum, and administrative offices on the lower level;
Site work and creation of gardens
Building Infrastructure work
Exterior Signage

You too can become a stakeholder in the New Museum by making a donation now. Major donors may choose to associate their names with an exhibit or some other component of the new building or site. All individuals or families contributing $200 or more and businesses contributing $300 or more will be listed on the colorful building-block Donor Wall in the foyer. We anticipate adding blocks through the end of December 2004. To make a pledge online, please click here. Alternatively, you may write to The Children's Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, or phone us at (518) 584-5540.

Past

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (CMAS) started as an experiment by volunteers in the summer of 1990 in a donated 800 square foot space in the Downstreet Marketplace.
Interactive exhibits were so enthusiastically received that founding board members decided to remain open indefinitely on weekends.
About 21,000 visitors came to the Museum during 4 years at the original site.
In 1994 the Museum leased 5,000 square feet on the 2nd floor of 36 Phila Street.

Conducted $100,000 capital campaign to pay for renovations at Phila Street and install an elevator for handicapped accessibility.
Employed a full-time director, our first paid staff member.
Added new exhibits, workshops and other programs for families, group visits, birthday parties and expanded hours.
During first year in Phila Street, the Museum had 21,000 visitors - equal to the attendance in the first 4 years.

By 1998, the Museum was serving almost 40,000 people per year and had outgrown our second location.
In February 2000 the Board of Trustees launched the second capital campaign, this time for $500,000.
The site search committee found 69 Caroline Street and took title on May 31, 2000.
The current facility is a 2 story brick structure, built circa 1880. It offers 8,300 square feet of large open exhibit spaces, a program (workshop/class) room, performance space, gift shop and administrative offices.
The Museum opened at 69 Caroline Street on November 10, 2001.

Present

CMAS has seen tremendous growth in attendance and demand for programs at our current location.
The Museum serves 60,000 visitors (49,000+ children) at our facility on an annual basis.
We currently offer outreach programs for elementary children in seven counties, truly making us a regional children’s museum.
Weekly programs such as Tuesdays for Tots and Alphabet Soup are offered free of charge, with museum admission.
Over 6,000 children participate in our educational programs, annually.
Brownies and Girl Scouts can earn badges through many of our programs.
Over 300 children celebrate their birthday with a party at the Museum, annually.

Future

Our current growth rate has put increased demands on our aging infrastructure.
The Museum will make improvements to the building to maintain and improve the infrastructure, as funding allows.
Your donation is needed to continue serving regional children and families! Click Here to make a donation.

Facts about 69 Caroline Street — the New Building for the New Century

2-story brick structure built circa 1880 as a side-by-side duplex residence
Building was converted into a restaurant in the late 1970s, and interior load-bearing walls were removed, creating large open spaces ideal for Museum exhibits.
Converted for use as medical offices in the 1980s. New heating and cooling systems and upgraded electrical service were installed at this time.
With its two-story brick addition, the New Museum has about 8,300 square feet, large open exhibit spaces, a program (workshop/class) room, performance space, gift shop, and administration offices.
A new stairway and elevator have been installed.
Architect Victor Cinquino, a former member of the Museum's Board, contributed the full range of design and project oversight services.
Site is about ½ acre. There are 19 on-site parking spaces and room for future expansion of the Museum. The site also offers outdoor space for nature activities, gardening, and live performances.
Museum obtained long-term financing from US Dept. of Agriculture's New York Rural Development Division
Total project costs $1.3 million
$500,000+ capital campaign for renovations and new and improved exhibits is well into its 4th and final year.
The New Museum at 69 Caroline Street opened on November 10, 2001.

Names of Principals

Barbara R. Milano, Executive Director
Ashley Edwards (former Executive Director)
David Kaiser, Former Board President
Harry and Helen Snyder, Honorary Co-Chairs of the Capital Campaign
Gretchen Pinkel, US Dept. of Agriculture

Check out our new Buy A Brick page for a great way to contribute to our Capital Campaign.

View our list of Capital Campaign Contributors. (updated as of February 2005)