Maine Discovery Museum Joins Museums for All Program

Participation to increase accessibility of high-quality museum experiences and learning resources

Maine Discovery Museum (MDM)  has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM). The program encourages people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting MDM for $5 per person, up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 1,350 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of MDM’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all.

Kate Dickerson, MDM’s Executive Director stated, “We know that it can be difficult in uncertain financial times for families receiving SNAP benefits to come to MDM and experience our thoughtful, engaging exhibits. By joining Museum for All, we’re helping to expand access to MDM. When combined with our mission-driven programs – 94% of which is provided at no charge – it shows how MDM continues to work in every way we can to be an accessible resource for the community and state.”

Autumn Allen, MDM’s Director of Operations noted, “I’ve been passionate about the Museums for All initiative for years, and I’m thrilled that Maine Discovery Museum is now able to participate. We hope this program will allow us to welcome many more families through our doors—families who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to visit. We’re honored to serve our community and remain deeply committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome to come as they are and celebrate what makes them unique. The Museums for All program is one of the many ways we strive to make MDM accessible to everyone, and we look forward to partnering with local businesses to help sustain this important effort.”

Museums for All helps expand access to museums and also helps raise public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire communities. More than 1,350 institutions participate in the initiative, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more. Participating museums are located nationwide, representing all 50 states.