Blast off with us each week as we explore space, the planets, stars, and more! Join us weekdays* at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. for interactive activities and programs! On Fridays at 11:00 a.m., we’ll recap the concepts we’ve engaged in all week with a fascinating and fun finale!
Space Travel, August 1st-4th: Join us as we begin our journey to outer space! How do you travel to school? How do astronauts travel to the moon? Let’s explore!
Perfect Planets, August 7th-11th: We live on Earth…but what about the other planets? What do you think a perfect planet would be like?
Reach for the Stars, August 14th-18th: Reach for the Stars! Do you wonder what they are? Join us as we learn about stars and constellations.
Out of this World!, August 21st-25th: What lies beyond where our eyes can see when we look upon the night sky?
To Infinity and Beyond August 28th-September 1st: To infinity and beyond!
*Times vary due to groups/bookings. Check with staff daily to confirm times.
Crafter’s Cove is BACK!
Back by popular demand, EdVenture is teaming up with the Surfside Beach community for another season of Crafter’s Cove! Every Thursday this summer, (with the exception of the week of July 4th), children 10 and under and their parents are invited to meet at the Pier on Surfside Beach to partake in an EdVenture crafting activity. No registration is required and this event is free! View the calendar for a complete list of the summer scheduled activities.
Weekdays* in Hartsville at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., we’ll host a series of programs to engage young minds.
Robotic Dash Bots, July 31st- August 4th: In this interactive program, students will learn how to control, move, and launch a ball with a Dash Bot. Join us for story time and learn about the different types of robots that we use in everyday life!
Summertime Sand Art, August 7th- August 11th: Summer is almost over! What better way to remember this precious time than through sand art! Join us for story time and create your own sand art!
Read it and Eat it, August 14th- August 18th: What happens if you Give a Mouse a Cookie? Join us for Storytime and a lesson in measuring and mixing! Make your own snack!
Buttons and Puppets, August 21st- August 25th: One Button, Two Button, Three Buttons, Four! How many buttons do we have? Join us for a fun counting lesson through story time! Students will be able to make their own puppets with their four buttons.
Origami Flowers, August 28th- September 1st: Students will learn shapes, how to fold paper, and make their own flowers! Join us in a fun lesson on making paper origami flowers!
*Call for daily information. Programming is subject to change based on staff availability
Every single child should be given an opportunity to learn and experience EdVenture without limitations. These four new extensions of Eddie—his heart, brain, lungs, and stomach—are some of the many ways EdVenture is evolving and adapting to be more accessible and inclusive. Thanks to the generosity of PRISMA Health, Eddie’s body can now be explored by all children regardless of their abilities.
After nearly 20 years of resting on the fingertip of Eddie, the iconic EdVenture dragon fly has been removed. Insect lovers fear not! Eddie has a new six-legged arthropod that’s landed on his finger—one with indigenous roots to the Midlands area. It’s the firefly! Eddie’s new flying (endangered) friend is just one aspect of the museum’s new brand. Climb to the second floor to get a closer look at Eddie’s new friend and grab a fact-sheet on ways you can help conserve the local firefly population!
EDDIE'S FLYING FRIEND GETS A NAME
2ND ANNUAL KICKOFF TO SUMMER INCLUDES THE NAMING AND LIGHTING OF EDDIE'S FIREFLY!
After resting on Eddie’s finger for the past year, Eddie’s firefly is being given a proper name. On Saturday, June 1, 2024, EdVenture kicked off our 2nd annual summer celebration by lighting the firefly after giving him a new moniker. The 2024 summer theme, “Come EdVenture Together” emphasizes the meaning of community. When we come together to support one another, we all thrive. There’s no better example of that message than the story of what happened here at EdVenture with the naming of Eddie’s firefly…
Jasi Smith, a community member, submitted a very powerful name suggestion to EdVenture for Eddie’s firefly. She suggested we name it after James Muller, a fallen Irmo Fire District firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty while protecting members of our community from the perils of an apartment complex fire in May of 2023.
Jasi, who had never met or personally known the Muller family, was moved by James’ story and wanted to pay tribute and respect to honor him. EdVenture is pleased to unveil to our community that Eddie’s firefly will be named “J” in honor of James Muller. We hope this memorial not only commemorates James’ bravery, but also embodies the essence of our community, in which neighbors support and protect one another.
Calling all future storytellers! Have you dropped by the Hartsville location lately and seen the newest exhibit? We introduced a Word Wall! This interactive board allows students to explore words and create sentences by using magnetic words and phrases. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!
Has your child ever dreamed of being a professional artist or book illustrator? Then this newest exhibit at EdVenture Myrtle Beach is just for you! Draw Alive is an interactive exhibit in which children can watch their drawings come to life. Witness your creations come to life with Draw Alive!
SC Alliance of Children’s Museums Celebrates the Governor’s Proclamation with the Week of the Young Child®
COLUMBIA, S.C., MARCH 30, 2023 – Henry McMaster, Governor of the great State of South Carolina, has proclaimed April 1-7, 2023 as Children’s Museum Week. Through this proclamation, the governor encourages all South Carolinians to visit, support, and share the joy of learning at our state’s Children’s Museums. The South Carolina Alliance of Children’s Museums (SCACM) is teaming up in celebrating the governor’s announcement by hosting Week of the Young Child® events at their locations throughout the state.
“We are thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful movement in South Carolina,” says Lauren Luneckas, CEO of The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. “Our museums provide incredible opportunities for children to interact and learn in multisensory ways that spark a joy of lifelong learning.”
The SCACM was established in early 2023 as a collaborative effort of the state’s children’s museums to maximize statewide impact. The alliance consists between the Children’s Museum of the Upstate, EdVenture, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Main Street Children’s Museum in Rock Hill, and the Sandbox Children’s Museum in Hilton Head. The Governor has declared Children’s Museum Week in large part thanks to the joint efforts of these institutions to bring attention and awareness of the importance of education in all aspects of a child’s life.
“Each of the children’s museums in South Carolina share similar visions and missions,” says Andy Marquart, CEO of EdVenture. “When one of our museums succeed, all children and families of South Carolina succeed. This proclamation from Governor McMaster further enhances that message.”
According to the alliance’s 2022-23 admissions data, each county in South Carolina has been impacted by at least one of the five children’s museums. Together, the museums had more than HOW MANY admissions last year from every zip code in the state. The alliance is celebrating this proclamation throughout the state at each of its institutions.
“What perfect timing for our governor to proclaim Children’s Museum Week than with that of our annual celebration of the Week of the Young Child,” says Karen Coltrane, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. “As children’s museums, we serve to make a long-lasting impact on the lives of children, their families, and the schools and communities we serve. We are thrilled to have the governor recognize this importance for all the children’s museums across the state.”
Week of the Young Child® (WOYC) is an annual celebration hosted by the National and State Associations for the Education of Young Children. “Our goal is to spotlight early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities,” says Sarah Lewis, Museum Manager of the Main Street Children’s Museum. Each member of the alliance will be hosting programs and activities to match each day’s theme throughout the week. Members of the public can follow each of the children’s museums on social media or visit their websites to find a complete list of activities and celebrations taking place for the Week of the Young Child.
“We hope everyone finds the time to celebrate this wonderful proclamation with us,” says Nancy Fowler, Executive Director of the Sandbox Children’s Museum. “There’s a place for everyone at a children’s museums throughout every part of the state!”
About the South Carolina Alliance of Children’s Museums The South Carolina Alliance of Children’s Museums (SCACM) is a collaborative effort among South Carolina’s children’s museum institutions who work together to maximize statewide impact. Each of the institutions share similar visions and missions and collectively utilize resources to better educational experiences for children and families across South Carolina.
New exhibit highlighting medical careers was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship from Richland School District 2’s STEAMM Med Pro 21 Initiative
COLUMBIA, S.C., May 19, 2023 – Some of the largest and fastest-growing professions in the U.S. are in the health care industry—accounting for about 14% of all U.S. workers according to the Census Bureau. Labor statistics predict that health care occupation number will double over the course of the next 10 years. Thanks to a collaborative partnership with Richland School District 2 and its Med Pro 21 learning continuum, EdVenture is doing its part to present medical field career choices to young minds as part of its newest exhibit that has been given the moniker, MedVenture.
“Grab a lab coat from the hook and head on over to the pharmacy area,” says Marc Drews, Director of Experiences and Education at EdVenture, as he explains the new space. “Here, kids will be able to explore math and patterning manipulatives that are similar to how a pharmacist combines elements to create medicines. From pharmacist to physical therapist to paramedic and doctor, our young guests can explore the medical profession in a variety of capacities and learn what it takes to fulfill those roles.”
Richland 2’s STEAMM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, math, and, medical) Med Pro 21 initiative integrates STEAMM learning while preparing all students for their chosen college and/or career pathway. STEAMM Med Pro 21 is funded by a magnet schools assistance program grant through the United States Department of Education.
Health care careers weren’t the only profession getting exposure during the creation of MedVenture. For three Ridge View High School students in the Richland 2 Med Pro magnet program, the building of the MedVenture exhibit was a chance to learn about a career within a children’s museum.
“Students teamed up with our exhibits department and got to experience hands-on building of a museum exhibit from scratch,” says Tyshica McConner, EdVenture’s Education Initiatives Manager. “This was such a valuable experience for them as they concepted and designed the exhibit, painted, constructed, and even helped with the finishing touches.” MedVenture opens to the public on Saturday, May 20, 2023 and is free with general admission.
“There’s no better feeling than seeing the confidence of a student grow and build through an experience like this,” says Lloyd McDonald, EdVenture’s Facilities Director. “MedVenture really came to life with their creative ideas and hard work. The exhibit fits perfectly into EdVenture’s World of Work series.”
In addition to a collaboration with Richland 2, EdVenture also worked with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to highlight healthcare professionals from the Midlands within the exhibit. Across MedVenture, guests will be exposed to real MUSC Health Midlands care professionals, their photos, and why they chose their career in healthcare.
“We are proud to be the healthcare partner of MedVenture,” says Punam Patel, MUSC Director of External Affairs. “Through the ingenuity and hard work of the bright students in the Richland 2’s STEAMM Med Pro 21 program, children will receive early exposure to healthcare and life science careers, which builds an early pipeline for tomorrow’s workforce. It is our hope that highlighting our current MUSC Health Midlands care team members will inspire the next generation to change what’s possible for the communities we serve.”
Admission to EdVenture in Columbia is $13 for children and adults. Members and children under the age of two get in for free. Memberships are available for as low as $89 per year that allow for unlimited admission to each EdVenture location all year long. Reduced admission is available under the museum’s “Yes, Every Child” program. The museum operates on Monday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., is closed on Tuesdays, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, visit edventure.org.
About EdVenture
EdVenture Children’s Museum is a 501c3 registered non-profit educational institution dedicated to creating new generations of lifelong learners through museum experiences, educational programming, events, and camps. The museum is based in Columbia with additional locations in Myrtle Beach and Hartsville. Learn more at www.edventure.org.
About Richland School District 2
Richland School District Two is the largest and fastest-growing public school district in the South Carolina Midlands. It serves more than 27,000 pre-K through 12th grade students in 40 schools and centers: 20 elementary schools, seven middle schools, five high schools, four magnet centers, one child development center and one alternative school. Richland 2 also offers a variety of magnet programs for every type of learner. Learn more at www.richland2.org.
This brand new exhibit, supported by Richland School District 2, highlights medical careers and allows young minds to explore the occupations in the healthcare profession. At MedVenture, young guests can explore the medical profession in a variety of capacities and learn what it takes to fulfill those roles. This guest experience was designed with the help of three high school students from Ridgeview High School to help inspire the next generation of healthcare workers.
These programs support museum admission for lower income families and for students in underrepresented communities
COLUMBIA, S.C., April 21, 2023 – Every young child deserves an opportunity to explore the world around them in a safe and inclusive environment. EdVenture Children’s Museum will participate in this year’s Midlands Gives Campaign and will use the fundraising to support its two accessibility programs, “Yes, Every Child,” and “Yes, Every Student.”
“Inspiring children with the joy of learning is at the core of everything we do,” says Robin Harriford, Director of Development at EdVenture. “Every child deserves this opportunity regardless of financial hardships or any other boundary that impairs access. These two programs allow us to make that happen for children who are in need in South Carolina.”
Prior to the pandemic, EdVenture’s Yes, Every Child admission was about 13 percent of the museum’s total guest count. Post-pandemic, that number has grown to nearly 30 percent of the museum’s total attendance.
“This big leap in the number of people seeking assistance for access told us we needed to do more,” says Andy Marquart, EdVenture’s CEO. “As a result, we expanded our access program to include Yes, Every Student so that underserved schools could access the museum regardless of financial ability.”
EdVenture expanded access due to need, but also because of the amount of research showing the pandemic’s impact on children’s learning. According to UNICEF, the amount of time children missed in the classroom due to the COVID-19 Pandemic is insurmountable. Returning to school is not enough.
Children need additional exposure outside the classroom where learning can take place. EdVenture is doing its part to help lessen the gap for students by offering standards-based programs and hands-on learning.
“Yes, Every Student” will offer EdVenture admission support to schools that have a high number of students in poverty. Schools can request and apply for funding as it becomes available. Field trips to EdVenture feature programs that were created based on SC State Standards. EdVenture offers flexibility for teachers to pick the program that best suits their children’s learning needs.
“Our hope is that students can begin learning about a topic within the classroom and then travel here to EdVenture to further emphasize that knowledge and hands-on educational experience,” explains Marc Drews, EdVenture’s Director of Experiences and Education. “Supporting teachers is a part of our mission. We want to use the joy that is sparked in children at EdVenture to increase students’ learning effectiveness within the classroom.”
EdVenture will participate in the annual Midlands Gives campaign to support these two programs for access. Every amount donated will go to support the needs of our underserved communities. Donations can be made HOW/WHERE/LINK. Larger in-kind gifts, sponsorship opportunities, and legacy gifts can also be made directly to EdVenture. For assistance or more information, contact Robin Harriford at rharrifod@edventure.org.
