As pedestrians walk on S Main Street of the Harrisonburg Downtown they feel the waves of excitement and enthusiasm radiating from the Discovery Museum. 

Children feel excitement as they stare at the splashes of color and decorations surrounding the museum. The museum is geared for children, ages 1 – 12.

 “We don’t allow just adults [without kids] to come to the museum,” said Melanie Vieth, Program Director and a founder of the Museum. 

However, kids of an older age started to lose interest in the museum.

“Around 8 years old they felt like they’ve been there,” Vieth said.

Changes have been made to the museum countless times, and during 2018, Vieth and her colleagues chose to create a makerspace, targeted for ages eight and up.

“We have 3D printing, and laser cutters, and woodworking, and art [materials].” Vieth said. 

The museum’s goal is to give opportunities to the younger generation. 

“[The museum] provides a way for kids to play with each other,” said Katie Miller, a parent visiting the museum with her family. 

Other parents have similar responses: “[The museum] gives them something to do, [It’s] just a fun place to come and play if the weather is yucky,” Erin Kline said.

For years, the museum at Harrisonburg has encouraged families to come downtown each day.

“When we first opened, downtown was very quiet. There were very few families that would come downtown,” Vieth said. 

The unique environment at the museum allows families to discover and explore new experiences. 

“There are very few places of indoor learning, places for kids in this area, so the museum provides them with that for families,” Vieth said. 

Molly Wallis, a staff member, similarly agrees.

“I would definitely say that it’s a very inviting space,” Wallis said.

At the museum, kids learn more due to the unique environment.

“We can do it with hand-on activities, and not sort of a rigid learning environment,” Vieth said.

At the museum, several exhibits teach skills which will be useful in life.

“[We have a] ball maze that works with a magnet,” Vieth said. “The maze represents the theme of financial literacy.”

Roy Nelson said that Karl, his son, “absolutely” learned at the museum and they have been going there since Karl was one.

The museum engages the kids in a way which they want to learn.

For example, Brayden Roy, a visitor at the museum, said “everything” was his favorite at the museum.

Overall, the museum impacts the local community in positive ways, from teaching them from life skills to having kids play with each other.