Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We are currently what is called a “museum without walls.” We do not have a building at this time, but you can still find us all over Tulsa at festivals, schools and events.
Why are you starting programming before getting a building?
In order to maintain a sustainable children’s museum in Tulsa, we were advised to start programming during this time that we are building a relationship with the community. That is why we have traveling exhibits, an outreach program and a concert series.
Why don’t you just get a building first?
Back in the 1990’s Tulsa did have two children’s museums, Hands On and Harmon Science Center. But both of them eventually closed. We want to make sure that this does not happen to TCM. Through our research on why they closed down, we have found that there was less chance of sustainability for museums that are for profit and for those that did not develop a relationship with funders and the community before getting a building.
When will you get a building?
As member of the Association of Children’s Museums, we are told that the full process of developing programming, fundraising and eventually a capital campaign, usually takes 3-5 years before you actually open your museum’s doors.
Where will you be located?
We are keeping our options open, but would like to be a part of the downtown revitalization in Tulsa. However, we want to make sure that if we are located downtown, we are in a safe location with proximity to highways and with plenty of free parking.
What do you mean by a community based children’s museum?
We found out that 98% of Association of Children’s Museum members are non profit community inspired children’s museum. Most for profit children’s museums do not survive. This is because the sustainability of a children’s museum does not rely on admission or birthday parties alone. Non profits can fundraise, have donors, volunteers, sponsors, capital campaigns and many more other outlets to receive funding in order to keep the doors open.
How can I help?
There are many ways to help TCM. You can volunteer, tell other people about us, donate, join a committee, become a board member, have your child join the Kids in Action board, attend our concerts, buy our t-shirts, wear our t-shirts, go to our events, join our mailing list, and submit ideas for future programming.
