Jeremy Barker, Principal, Samuel J. Preston School, Harrison, NY Central School District
The Westchester Children's Museum would provide a vibrant place for families to share invaluable educational and cultural experiences. Additionally, its presence allows for significant educational partnerships with our outstanding schools by bringing curricula to life and inviting children to experience first-hand the intersection of history, culture, and geography.
The museum has a self-sustaining business plan and it's important to note that other children's museums have realized local economic benefits by attracting cultural tourism. Like any large-scale project, the development of the Westchester Children's Museum will likely experience challenges. However, we feel strongly that it would add a unique element to Westchester, enriching the quality of life for all of our citizens.

Janet DiFiore, Westchester County District Attorney, White Plains
In my role as the district attorney of Westchester County, I am often the unfortunate end point for young people who have made a series of bad decisions. I am a firm believer that rich educational opportunities for young children are a key to shaping responsible, motivated adults. I am often asked to serve on the boards of important organizations, and with very few exceptions, I have declined to do so. The Westchester Children's Museum is an exception. This museum is a communitywide investment in our children. It will provide fundamental learning experiences and be an institution of exploration where children lead the process of discovery in an educational atmosphere while allowing us all to share in their experience of learning about the world around them.

Beryl R. Jones-Woodin, Professor and Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Brooklyn Law School
A children’s museum in Westchester would have enormous social, educational, and cultural value on the youth and families of this County and beyond. As a boardmember of the Westchester Children’s Museum, a New Rochelle resident, a parent who has raised children in the County, and an educator, I have long believed that our families and our schools would deeply benefit from the positive opportunities that a children’s museum provides. Children’s museums help youth develop essential foundational skills; light a creative spark for discovery and lifelong learning; contain environments where families can connect in meaningful ways; are uniquely positioned to help reverse stigma and discrimination; strengthen community resources that educate and care for children; and contribute to local economies. The Museum is indeed in the midst of a private fundraising campaign and it is a very worthwhile venture with a sound business plan and a powerful mission.

Susan Mackle, teacher, Rye, NY
Tremendous learning opportunities are afforded by a children's museum. A children's museum would provide Westchester with valuable educational and cultural experiences for families and would be a unique resource for our schools in which the content itself would amplify the school curriculum. Furthermore, the article implies that our tax dollars would be spent on the museum - the WCM is not seeking County funds, it is raising the money from private citizens and is seeking a private/public partnership to utilize a beautiful, abandoned, landmark once it has been restored. In my opinion, as a parent, a teacher, and a volunteer with underserved youth in the County, I welcome the opportunity to support such a vital institution.

Richard Nightingale, MSW, Director of Youth and Community Services Westhab, Inc.
We all know children need a variety of support systems to thrive. Many of us have fond memories of little leagues, groups like the boy scouts an girl scouts, after school clubs, and much more. We also remember the thrill of being taken to the ballpark or to an amusement park. While fun events, children need more than recreation- they need to learn. Venues like the Jacob Burns Film Center and Liberty Science Center offer programs that teach while they entertain... ie kids are learning without even knowing they are. Talk about having your cake and eating it too. More venues like this are needed to teach children out of the classroom in a hands on, exciting way. Westhab youth programs offer comprehensive services to approximately 1,000 homeless and/or at-risk youth each year in White Plains, Yonkers, and Mount Vernon and are always exploring new ways and new local venues where the young people in our care can learn and grow. A Children's Museum is clearly a huge step in the right direction.