The Chambers County Children’s Museum has received a $200,000 grant from ExxonMobil to help fund its 4,000-square-foot expansion project, which aims to enhance the museum’s ability to inspire and educate children throughout the growing community.
The grant is part of a larger fundraising effort that has drawn support from several key partners, including the Barbers Hill Education Foundation, 1PointFive, Moody Foundation, Strake Foundation, CenterPoint Energy, Community Auto Group, OneOK, Sjolander Interests, Albert and Ethel Herzstein Foundation, Shell Pipeline, Accent Compliance, and Energy Transfer. In total, these organizations and foundations have pledged more than $700,000 to help bring new and innovative exhibits and programming to the museum.
The expansion will include six new interactive exhibits focusing on science, music, STEM, conservation, and carbon capture. The exhibits are designed to engage children in hands-on learning that encourages curiosity and discovery. Two new meeting rooms will also be added to accommodate additional programming, including the museum’s new After School Program, which is currently enrolling. More information is available on the museum’s website.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from ExxonMobil and all our partners who have come together to make this expansion a reality,” said Kathy Harrison, executive director of the Chambers County Children’s Museum. “These new exhibits will not only enhance our educational offerings but also provide exciting opportunities for children to explore and learn about important topics that will shape their futures.”
The expansion at the Chambers County Children’s Museum is set to open its doors to the public in spring 2026. Once completed, the project will further establish the museum as a regional hub for educational engagement, offering families a safe and enriching environment to learn and play.
Individuals or companies interested in contributing to the final stages of the project are encouraged to contact museum founder Macy Middleton at admin@chamberscountychildrensmuseum.org.
The Chambers County Children’s Museum was founded in 2019 by 12 community leaders with a shared vision of creating a hands-on learning space for children and families. With the generous support of Mayes Middleton, the museum was given a 15-year rent-free lease at the former Thrif-Tee Food Center. After years of planning and fundraising, the museum officially opened in June 2023 with backing from more than 70 community sponsors and foundations. The museum now welcomes over 70,000 visitors each year, offering interactive exhibits and creative programming that foster imagination, exploration, and lifelong learning.
More information can be found at www.ccchildrensmuseum.org.