Museum Inclusion Fund

Dear Donors and Supporters,

We are excited to share the success of our most recent community event at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum (VICM). Thanks to your ongoing support of the Museum Inclusion Fund (GlobalGiving Campaign #65995), we continue to break down barriers to education, ensuring that every child in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI)—regardless of financial standing—has access to high-quality learning experiences.

On March 14, 2026, the museum buzzed with energy as we hosted our Center for Education on Risks both Coastal and Aquatic (CERCA) Saturday on Pi Day celebration. This event was a true testament to our mission of "Exploration, Play, and Discovery," combining the mathematical wonders of Pi with vital environmental education and local culture.

A Day of Incredible Impact

Because of the Museum Inclusion Fund and our partners at the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS), we were able to offer free admission to the entire community. The turnout was heartwarming:

• 240 Children

• 30 Toddlers (under age 2)

• 202 Adults

• 472 Total Visitors who explored, learned, and celebrated together!

 A True Community Collaboration

This event was made possible through the participation of an incredible array of community partners who provided hands-on activities and expert talks:

• Environmental & Safety Experts: The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) provided essential coastal hazard info, while the United States Virgin Islands Sargassum Working Group and Ocean and Coastal Observing - Virgin Islands (OCOVI) led deep dives into the environmental and social impacts of sargassum.

• Marine Science & Restoration: We were joined by the Center for the Study of the Wider Caribbean, Reef Resilience and Response, and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Center for Marine and Environmental Studies Ocean Glider Lab.

• Interactive Learning: The UVI College of Science and Mathematics helped kids discover the "Power of Pi," while the Growing Research, Restoration, Outreach and Education (GRROE) USVI Mangroves team demonstrated the experimental use of sargassum to grow mangroves.

• Culture & Wellness:Majestik Freedom and the Ravin Phillips led a fascinating Bamboula workshop linking math to dressmaking and drumming traditions. Families also enjoyed mindfulness with Breathe St. Thomas and nutritional insights from Dr. Avril Armstrong-Freeman.

 Why Your Support Matters

Events like Pi Day are more than just a fun Saturday; they are a platform for community resilience. By providing free access to this network of experts, we are fostering a more informed and scientifically literate generation.

"The CERCA Saturday on Pi Day celebration not only brings the community together in a fun and educational way but also provides a platform to raise awareness about coastal and aquatic risks, fostering a more informed and resilient community." — Roy Watlington, OCOVI

 Help Us Keep the Doors Open for All

The Museum Inclusion Fund is an ongoing initiative, and its success depends entirely on supporters like you. While Pi Day was a triumph, our work to provide equitable access to education never stops.

Your continued contributions ensure that we can host upcoming free-admission events, such as Infinity Day (8/8), and keep our doors open to every family in the territory. Whether it's providing books through the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) or offering free summer access to military families through Blue Star Museums, your gift creates a more inclusive USVI.

Please consider making a recurring donation to GlobalGiving Campaign #65995 today to help us prepare for our next big community day!

With deepest gratitude,

The VICM Team

Links:

• VICM website

• VICM Museum Inclusion Fund Report 3 (PDF)