Major Donation Kicks Off Capital Campaign At Bucks Children's Museum

NEW HOPE, PA — The Bucks County Children’s Museum has launched a fundraising campaign to renovate 5,000 square feet of the museum for the next generation of learners.

The goal of the Unplug & PLAY Campaign is to raise $1 million to provide "thoughtfully designed Bucks County-themed gallery spaces" with a focus on sensory and developmental accessibility, educational curriculum, and hands-on “no-tech” experiences.

The project is part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all children and families in the community.

To kick off the campaign, the museum has announced the largest single private contribution in its history - $250,000 - from longtime supporters, Dr. John and Jeanne Hubbard. Their transformational gift will advance the progress of the Unplug & PLAY Campaign and name the new Treehouse Exhibit, a focal point of the renovation.

Dr. John and Jeanne Hubbard.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift from the Hubbard’s, which brings us one step closer to realizing our vision for increasing our capacity serve young learners,” said Kelly Krumenacker, executive director of the museum. “This project will not only enhance our offerings but also ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the magic of play and discovery in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Among the six new Bucks County-themed exhibit areas, the Treehouse Exhibit will serve as a unique play and learning environment, designed to inspire creativity and exploration while ensuring that children of all abilities can participate. The project will feature wheelchair-accessible slides, sensory stations, and interactive elements that encourage both physical activity and imaginative play, fostering a sense of belonging among all visitors.

“It gives us great joy to give the Children’s Museum a gift that will bring education and play to the next level with the Unplug & PLAY Campaign. Ensuring all children are introduced to a variety of learning experiences is the heart of our legacy,” said John and Jean Hubbard. “We never know what sparks the imagination and passion of the next generation, but we know all children should be able to experience the many facets of the world around them.”

Other renovation plans include the expansion of the hospital and general store exhibits and the addition of a 2-story replica of a 1700 Bucks County inn. The campaign’s focus is to create an interactive environment that encourages kids to engage in imaginative play and creativity while stepping away from screens and technology.

To date, $850,000 of the campaign’s $1,000,000 fundraising goal has been secured thanks to the generosity of the Hubbard Family as well as major support from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program spearheaded by Senator Steven Santarsiero.

Other project supporters include the David R. and Patricia D. Atkinson Foundation, Foundations Community Partnership, The Bucks County Foundation, The Bucks County Tourism Grant Program, Weis Markets, Fred Beans Automotive and other individual donors. Throughout 2025, the museum is actively seeking additional support from local businesses, foundations, and individuals to generate the remaining $150,000 to complete the project.

“Support from community businesses and individuals have been vital in museum’s growth over the past 14 years, and we are asking them to help us prepare for the next generation by supporting this campaign,” says Krumenacker.

For more information on the capital campaign or to make a donation, visit www.buckskids.org or email info@buckskids.org.

The museum will temporarily close from September through November 2025 for renovations, with a grand reopening expected in December 2025. Museum membership will be extended to offset months lost because of the closure.