Hands-on House, Children's Museum of Lancaster

"On our last visit, I asked our nephew what his favorite thing at Hands-on House was...he said, without hesitation, 'ALL OF IT' !!’

-Molly Hamlin

Children are curious by nature, eager to explore and unearth new ideas. When given the opportunity to tap into this inquisitive nature we find that “learning” goes far beyond what happens in the classroom. 

At Hands-on House we believe learning is active. It happens when children watch bee's buzz to and fro, pollinating flowers. It happens while shopping at the Farmer's Market, while helping a grownup with a building project, or while getting messy with art supplies. While kids are learning through play, memories are also being created. 

Our impact this year- All thanks to our donors! 

31+ scholarships to Summer + Winter Camp: Supporting SNAP card holders and families with financial need so that their children can have equal opportunity to share their voice, ideas, creativity, and learn new skills alongside new friends!

2,400+ students served through Outreach programs: We bring the museum to schools and organizations across South Central PA to teach hands-on and STEM programs. A trained educator meets with individual classes rather than an assembly for a more immersive experience.

70,000+ museum visitors: From families to school groups we've welcomed in thousands of visitors to explore learning through play, together! Children and grown-ups side by side. 

Memories across generations 

We can't tell you how may times a guest has come to us and said something along the lines of:

"I used to come here when I was a kid! The market was my absolute favorite and it's so special I can now bring *my kid * to enjoy a new version of the same exhibit!"

Grandparents who have brought children and grandchildren to play, caregivers sharing heir childhood with the next generation, even a number of our staff members have fond memories of learning through play here!

It's our greatest hope that we can continue this work of space-making for play for many more generations to come.

A donation made on Nov 22nd will support us in the continuation, development, and financial accessibility of:

• Art classes
• Story Stretchers classes
• STEM Explorers classes
• MakerSpot
• Summer + Winter camp
• Outreach programs to local schools
• In-house exhibits 
• Birthday parties
• Scout Badge programming
• The Play Lab
• Mason's Active Adventure Garden (our beautiful outdoor space)
• Events like: Touch-A-Truck, Trunk-or-Treat, Noon Year's Eve, our 5k/10k/half marathon race, and pop-up events throughout the year.

All of our classes are FREE with admission and we are proud to offer reduced admission + scholarships to SNAP card holders.

We're so grateful for the amazing nonprofit neighbors in our community! In the years to come we're excited to bridge missions and partner with more organizations to create new playful learning opportunities in Lancaster.

Whether it's been an interaction with one of our educators, a special family memory, or trips to the museum just feel like a natural part of your routine...we hope that if Hands-on House has touched your life you will consider supporting us in the Extra Give!

Simply sharing this fundraising page with your community goes a long way to helping us reach our goal. Know that every monetary donation, even as low as $25, is appreciated and deeply felt by the children and families we serve!

From all of us at Hands-on House: THANK YOU!

Hands-on House Children's Museum of Lancaster does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or income in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to hiring and firing staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provisions of services. We are committed to providing and inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.

Hands-on House Children's Museum of Lancaster is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job application on the bases of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, creed, age, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

*updated and ratified by the Board of Directors on November 2, 2021.