On July 10, 2025, the ECHO Advisory Committee convened in Volusia County, Florida, to discuss significant developments regarding the Museum of Art and Sciences (MOAS) Children's Museum. The meeting primarily focused on a proposed scope change for a new temporary dinosaur exhibit, which is part of a broader effort to modernize the museum's offerings.

The Children's Museum has received two grants totaling $1 million, aimed at enhancing its educational exhibits. The new dinosaur exhibit will feature modern, interactive displays designed to engage children through hands-on learning experiences. This traveling exhibit is set to be in place for six months, after which the museum plans to introduce a new permanent exhibit as part of its ongoing master plan.

Tabitha Schmidt, the executive director of MOAS, addressed questions from committee members regarding the nature of the exhibit and the funding process. She emphasized that the museum has been a responsible steward of ECHO funds, complying with previous grants and ensuring that the current project is fully funded by MOAS itself, without additional ECHO funding.

Concerns were raised about the impact of the temporary exhibit on community engagement and educational programs, particularly for school field trips. Schmidt reassured committee members that the museum anticipates increased attendance and membership as a result of the new exhibit, which is expected to maintain educational relevance during the transition period.

The committee also discussed the importance of accountability and reporting on the exhibit's success. Schmidt confirmed that MOAS will conduct impact reports after major exhibits to assess visitor engagement and program effectiveness.

As the museum prepares for this transition, it remains committed to enhancing its offerings for the community. The discussions at the meeting highlighted the museum's proactive approach to maintaining educational value while planning for future developments. The committee looks forward to further updates as the master plan evolves and new exhibits are introduced.