Great Explorations, the hands-on children’s museum housed at Sunken Gardens, presented its 2024–25 annual update to St. Petersburg city council on Oct. 16, detailing expanded outreach after two major hurricanes, accreditation milestones and plans for a new discovery center.

CEO Angeline Howell told council the museum delivered approximately $165,750 in in-kind services to residents after the storms, hosted free field trips, and offered 54 scholarships for educational opportunities to city residents. The museum’s preschool—operating since 2007—serves more than 100 students annually and reported a 100% graduation rate for its program. Great Explorations also earned reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, the organization said.

Why it matters: Museum leaders said Great Explorations has broadened its reach into public schools and community sites, delivering STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) throughout Pinellas County. Angeline Howell said the museum’s evaluation work showed 90–100% satisfaction from partner schools on field trips and educational content.

Plans and partnerships: The museum requested support for a discovery center that would combine the hands-on learning of a children’s museum with a science center’s programming for a wider age range. Staff said Great Explorations holds the Pinellas County designation for a Science Center from the Association of Science and Technology Centers and is seeking a permanent building to house an expanded discovery center. Council members praised the museum’s resilience and community role; Vice Chair Hanowitz and Council Member Driscoll emphasized partnerships with Sunken Gardens and the museum’s role as a citywide resource.

Operational notes: Museum staff also described funding challenges caused by cuts to federal and state support, which reduced outreach capacity. They said they provided 1,689 free admissions and memberships to St. Petersburg residents during the year and hosted dozens of free museum rentals for local nonprofits.