Imagine the Possibilities!
"What do you want to be when you grow up?" is a question children are often asked. Fortunately, there is a very special place where children can literally "play" with the answers – the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole, Oklahoma.
Hello, my name is Marci Donaho, Executive Director of the museum. Before this wonderful opportunity came my way, I was in elementary education for more than 25 years, including 15 years as a teacher in Seminole, Oklahoma. One day in the fall of 1988, I was among the young mothers and educators who received an invitation to a meeting about "something exciting for kids." It came from Melvin and Jasmine Moran, who were well-known for their philanthropic support of cultural, educational and political activities in Seminole and throughout the state. Mr. and Mrs. Moran had been impressed by a children’s museum which their two granddaughters had visited in Michigan; they returned with the exciting vision of creating one in Seminole. I was elected the board president, but also continued teaching during the five years while the museum was under construction. In 1993, the museum opened its doors. I remained as Board President and became Executive Director in 1996.
The Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum is 28,000 square feet of self-discovery designed to plant the seeds which help children discover life’s many possibilities, as well as their own potential and career direction. There are no tours; children and adults guide themselves through galleries which acquaint them with real-life roles in a medical area, TV newsroom, court room, flight simulator, art room and fire station. The museum also includes a gift shop and café. Children and adults share the fun of winding their way through our 12,000 outdoor maze or riding the train together around the museum’s half-mile perimeter enjoying statuary and ponds full of ducks, turtles and geese.
As part of a new 8,400 square foot expansion, the medical area will soon be transformed into a two-story healthcare gallery highlighting the many possibilities of that industry. In conjunction with four other museums, and thanks to the Don Reynolds Foundation, we will be adding another section which promotes science and education throughout the state. We currently gear our museum to children ages three to 12, but soon will expand activities for middle and high school students. We host all types of groups and events at the museum. Thanks to sponsorships by local companies, individuals, community and civic clubs, we offer two large free events a year: Jazzy’s Egg Hunt in the spring and the Great Pumpkin family night in the fall. The museum has private rooms or sectioned off areas of the café for birthday parties and we offer group discounts for family reunions, day cares, home schools, public schools, church and scouting groups.
If you’re looking for a delightfully unique place where learning is a fun real-life experience, consider the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole Oklahoma. It’s where children play to learn and adults learn to play!
Marci Donaho, Executive Director Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum
1714 West Wrangler Blvd.
Seminole, Oklahoma 74868
1-800-259-KIDS
Email: mdonaho@jasminemoran.com