Our Story
The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge began as a Girl Scout project in 1973, initiated by Troop 69 and their leader, Joyce Maienschein. Officially opened on March 11, 1973, in the library of the former Jefferson Junior High School, the museum has since moved to a larger facility, the former Highland View Elementary School, which it purchased from the city of Oak Ridge. Spanning 54,000 square feet, the museum features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, classes, camps, and events designed for all ages. Under the leadership of its first executive director, Selma Kravit Shapiro, the museum flourished for 31 years and is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023.