named programs · 6 · from sources
What they call their work
Discovery Field Trip
Guided field trip program led by museum educators, combining exhibit exploration with structured learning activities
Explorer Field Trip
Self-guided two-hour field trip for groups of at least 15 people, allowing children to explore museum exhibits at their own pace
Family Free Nights
Free admission event on the third Sunday of each month from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm for families with children ages 0-12
STEAM Summer Passport Series
Free weekly summer program on Thursdays in July and August featuring interactive STEAM activities in the museum pavilion
The Berenstain Bears® Financial Literacy Program
Program for children ages 5-8 that teaches money habits through interactive activities with characters from the Berenstain Bears
Traveling Science
Mobile educational program that brings interactive science activities to schools
activities · 6 groups
What they do
-
Educational Field Trips and Experiential Outings 1 activity
- Delivering field trip and school outreach programsProvides educator-led Discovery Field Trips and self-guided group visits for children, along with traveling science programs delivered directly to schools, offering hands-on educational experiences that support science learning and social development in partnership with school districts.
-
-
Museum-Based Educational Outreach 1 activity
- Hosting free STEAM activities and community eventsOffers free weekly STEAM-focused interactive activities for children during summer months and hosts events and programs for all ages at the museum’s waterfront pavilion location to engage the broader community.
-
-
Children's Play and Motor Development Spaces 1 activity
- Operating interactive children's museum exhibits and educational programsOperates a museum facility with five indoor exhibit galleries and an outdoor children's garden designed for children ages 0–12, featuring hands-on exhibits such as Science Revealed!, Rivertown, The Children’s Garden, and Imagination Station that integrate science, literacy, math, art, music, and community themes to support foundational learning through play.
-
-
Equitable Access Admission Programs 1 activity
- Providing inclusive access to museum programs and exhibitsOffers free admission to children ages 12 and under from the City of Poughkeepsie (funded by a city grant and matching donation), reduced admission for SNAP EBT cardholders, free entry for active-duty military personnel and families, and hosts monthly Family Free Nights from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on the third Sunday to increase accessibility.
-
-
Sensory-Inclusive Programming and Support 1 activity
- Providing sensory-inclusive resources for museum visitorsOffers sensory aids such as noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, sensory stress balls, and visual cue cards available for checkout during visits to support inclusive access for children and families with sensory sensitivities.
-
-
Uncategorized 1 activity
- Offering family memberships and on-site visitor amenitiesProvides family membership access to museum exhibits and programs, along with on-site amenities including free off-street parking, designated food consumption areas (Snack Zone, patio, and waterfront pavilion), a museum store selling educational toys and discovery kits, accessible entry via ramp and elevator, gender-separated restrooms with changing tables, and first aid support.
-
financials · form 990 · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$1.46M
Contributions & grants$915K63%
Program service revenue$487K33%
Investment income$23K2%
Other revenue$34K
expenses
Total expenses$1.31M
Program expenses69%
Admin / overhead18%
Fundraising13%
Salaries & benefits$877K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$3.83M
Cash$963K
Investments$0
Liabilities$595K
Net assets$3.24M
Liquid reserves8.8 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2025 · YoY revenue +28.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEFF SASSON | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 38 | $176K |
board members · 8
- AMY GREINER — TRUSTEE
- COLLEEN MINER — TRUSTEE
- DILLON FONTAINE — CO-PRESIDENT
- JACK SMITH — TRUSTEE
- JILL FELDMAN — CO-PRESIDENT
- PATRICK MOORE — TREASURER
- WESLEY DIXON — SECRETARY
- WILLIAM MINER — TRUSTEE
relationships · 15
Who they work with
- Anderson Center for Autism Partner — Collaborates to ensure the museum is an Autism Supportive Environment and to provide support for families with children on the autism spectrum.
- Association of Children’s Museums Network — Active member participating in the ACM Reciprocal Network for member-based admission benefits.
- Association of Science-Technology Centers Network — Participates in the ASTC Travel Passport Program, offering reciprocal admission to members.
- Blue Star Families Network — Participates in the Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families.
- City of Poughkeepsie Funder — Provides a grant to fund free museum admission for local children and caregivers.
- City of Poughkeepsie Government — Funds free admission program for local children through a grant.
- Destiny Arianna Partner — Local Afro-Indigenous artist leading the "Water Connects Us" workshop series.
- Drs. Rao Funder — Provided a matching gift to support free admission for City of Poughkeepsie children.
- Education team Partner — Internal team responsible for leading educational programs and supporting group visits.
- Instagram Partner — Platform used to share museum content and engage with the public.
- Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Partner — Collaborates on the Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program for children ages 5-8.
- National Endowment for the Arts Network — Participates in the Blue Star Museums program, a collaboration with the NEA, Blue Star Families, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
- U.S. Department of Defense Network — Part of the Blue Star Museums program, a collaborative initiative with the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families.
- Wolf Conservation Center Partner — Provides educators for museum programs exploring wolf adaptations and conservation.
- school districts Partner — Collaborates with school districts as an educational resource to support science education through teacher mentorship and student field trips.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Equitable Access Through Economic and Physical Inclusionmethodology: economic_access_programBy removing financial, physical, and transportation barriers through EBT acceptance, universal design, transit proximity, and targeted free access programs, the museum increases visitation among underserved families, because reducing structural barriers enables broader participation in early learning opportunities regardless of socioeconomic status or ability.
- Family-Engaged Experiential Learningmethodology: family-engaged learningBy engaging children and caregivers together in hands-on, play-based, and inquiry-driven activities, the museum fosters deeper learning and family connection, because shared experiences promote active participation, curiosity, and long-term cognitive and social development in young children.
- Neuroinclusive Program Designmethodology: autism-supportive environmentBy partnering with autism specialists to adapt the environment and programming, the museum supports children with autism and their families, because specialized sensory and social accommodations increase comfort, reduce anxiety, and enable meaningful engagement in learning and play.