MASSENA—State officials today announced the opening of the North Country Children’s Museum in Potsdam, St. Lawrence County. The permanent establishment of the museum—which offers science, technology, engineering, arts and math oriented educational programming to children aged 12 and under and their families—was directly supported by New York State with $260,000 in funding. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul attended a ribbon-cutting event at the museum with Judge Eugene L. Nicandri, New York Power Authority vice chairman and resident of Massena, Stephen Hunt, Empire State Development regional director, and local elected officials.
“I have spoken about the importance of STEM education, especially for girls, in communities across New York,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “The new North Country Children's Museum will offer a fun and interactive STEAM learning experience for all children, demonstrating to them the exciting careers they can be a part of when they grow up. Thanks to a significant investment from New York State, this museum will be a world-class attraction for both tourists and North Country residents.”
The North Country Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization formed in 2012 by a group of educators. Their collective vision was to create a cultural and educational center for families in the region. They developed a Museums Without Walls program that made weekly stops at the Clarkson University Bookstore during the school year, and festival appearances throughout the region during the summer. The pop-up workshops offered engaging, interactive and creative programs for children, encouraging STEAM learning.