The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and Conner Prairie, two of the best family-friendly cultural institutions in the state, have come together to offer greatly reduced admission to families in need throughout the State of Indiana. Given the current state of the economy, both institutions believe that now more than ever, it is an important time to expand programs benefiting those hit hard during this tough economic period.
As part of its ongoing efforts to provide extraordinary learning experiences for as many Indiana children and their families as possible, in 2004 The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis began the Access Pass program. This successful statewide initiative provides low income Hoosier families with opportunities to visit at the reduced rate of $1 per family member. In 2008, The Children’s Museum experienced more than 27,000 visits from Access Pass families in 80 counties. As the economic crisis facing the nation and state impacts additional Hoosier households, Conner Prairie joined forces with The Children Museum to adopt this program to make it possible for children and families to experience world-class cultural opportunities at both institutions that they might not otherwise be able to afford
About The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a non-profit institution committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. The 433,000 square-foot facility houses 11 major galleries. Visitors can explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures, the arts, see how dinosaurs lived 65 million years ago in Dinosphere: Now You’re in Their World®, experience Dale Chihuly’s Fireworks of Glass and examine children’s impact in shaping history in The Power of Children: Making a Difference. The Children’s Museum, situated on 19 acres of land in Indianapolis, presents hundreds of programs and activities each year. For more information about The Children’s Museum in English and Spanish, visit www.ChildrensMuseum.org.
“The Access Pass program further reduces financial barriers making it possible for the working poor and the disabled all over the state of Indiana to enjoy both institutions,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “The Children’s Museum and Conner Prairie are deeply committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences for all children and families.” “As two of the best places for families in the state, Conner Prairie and The Children’s Museum are pleased to join forces with this expanded Access Pass program. Now more than ever, Hoosier families in need will be able to visit these two unique and world-class family learning destinations,” Ellen Rosenthal, president and CEO of Conner Prairie.
Indiana families with at least one member who is 18 years of age or older and who are part of the TANF(Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), food stamps or Hoosier Healthwise Insurance are eligible to participate in the Access Pass program.
These families can visit The Children’s Museum and Conner Prairie and present a Hoosier Works card or Hoosier Healthwise Insurance card, together with photo identification, at the box office to receive $1 admission for immediate family members. They will be issued an Access Pass card that is renewable annually and provides family members the reduced rate throughout the year.
About The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis:
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a non-profit institution committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. The 433,000 square-foot facility houses 11 major galleries. Visitors can explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures, the arts, see how dinosaurs lived 65 million years ago in Dinosphere: Now You’re in Their World®, experience Dale Chihuly’s Fireworks of Glass and examine children’s impact in shaping history in The Power of Children: Making a Difference. The Children’s Museum, situated on 19 acres of land in Indianapolis, presents hundreds of programs and activities each year. For more information about The Children’s Museum in English and Spanish, visit www.ChildrensMuseum.org.
About Conner Prairie:
Conner Prairie is a nationally acclaimed non-profit, outdoor living history museum created by Eli Lilly in 1934. Families of today engage, explore and discover what it was like to live and play in Indiana’s past. Explore five themed historic areas on 200 beautiful, wooded acres including the newest exhibit opening June 6, 2009, The 1859 Balloon Voyage educates guests about Indiana’s aviation history and culminates with a voyage 350 ft. above the prairie in a tethered helium balloon. Every visit is a unique adventure that provides an authentic look into the history that shapes us today. Admission: $12 adult, $11 senior, $8 youth ages 2-12, free for members. For more information about Conner Prairie visit www.connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836.