Five Questions With: Kristin Read

Kristin Read, recently named director of education at Providence Children’s Museum, oversees public and outreach programming that supports the museum’s mission and is aligned with its strategic objectives, including the AmeriCorps program. She has 18 years of experience in museums and other informal education settings, most recently at Ready to Learn Providence and previously at R.I. Campus Compact, Miami Children’s Museum and Miami Museum of Science. Read has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in organizational management, both from Wheelock College.

PBN: In December, you were named director of education at Providence Children’s Museum. What does this role entail?

READ: I am responsible for supporting a team of creative folks who develop exciting play-based learning activities and experiences that deepen visitors’ connection to the exhibits and our themes. The education team also recruits the volunteers who are critical to our ability to provide exceptional play experiences. I work in partnership with other agencies to share resources and collaborate on projects both in the museum and in the community. An exciting part of my job is to engage as many friends, families, children and partners in promoting the power of play and the valuable learning and exploration as possible.

PBN: What types of public outreach programming will you oversee as director of education?

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READ: We want the museum to be a special place for everyone, so for a long time we have partnered with early childhood and out-of-school-time organizations to support a team of 12 AmeriCorps members. These full-time national service volunteers provide intensive outreach and museum experiences to communities who might not be able to afford to visit. Also, we have a great reputation for hosting teacher trainings and we hope to expand that to include parent training and facilitation. Our commitment to outreach helps make the museum a place for children and adults of all ages.

PBN: What new methods of participation and interaction do you hope to spur between the community and the museum?

READ: I am eager to involve the community in programs that enhance our newest exhibit, “Coming to Rhode Island,” which embraces the importance of cultural diversity. We want to invite cultural groups to partner with us and showcase their cultural practices, traditions and history through dancing, singing, art making, food, storytelling and the celebration of important holidays.

PBN: How do you plan to recruit new visitors to the museum?

READ: We are geared for children ages 1-11 and their caregivers, so every month we provide a variety of hands-on experiences, performances and drop-in activities that promote learning through play. It’s a fun challenge for us to design more creative and unique experiences. We plan to get more STEAM-focused as we work to engage 8- to 11-year-olds and find opportunities for teens and young adults to connect in a new way.

PBN: What do you think of the state of the nonprofit sector in Rhode Island? Are enough people who can giving to those organizations in need?

READ: Our state and local governments are huge advocates for our work, but we rely heavily on private donations for operating and program costs. The museum welcomes almost a third of its annual visitors free of charge, which must be offset by donations. And we’re also fueled by thousands of volunteer hours contributed by individuals, parent and child pairs and corporate volunteers.