Have you ever been gabbing with your friends and come up with a brilliant idea? Did anything happen with that idea once the play date, birthday party, mom’s night out was over? Once upon a time, a group of moms were chatting about the need for a good children’s museum in the area and now almost a decade later, they are close to seeing their dream come true!
The tag! Children’s Museum of St. Augustine is an exciting project that will provide an interactive educational experience for visitors. As part of the St. Augustine Shipyard development, the beautiful museum will be located on four acres behind Target, facing the San Sebastian River. Thirty thousand square feet of indoor and outdoor space will be focused on four mission areas: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics), health and wellness, history and culture, and environmental sustainability. Read on for an introduction to the museum.
What’s with the name? Based on the game, the name of the museum symbolizes fun and activity. Additionally, the acronym can be used for many things that the museum showcases: transformation and growth, teams and games, technology and green, toddles and giggles, the artist’s gallery, tools and gadgets, toots and gas. (Gotcha! Just seeing if you were paying attention. I should disclose that the last one has everything to do with me having a 5-year old boy and nothing to do with the tag! museum.)
What is the thinking behind the logo? The character you see as the point in the exclamation is the museum’s mascot Augie. His eyes consist of a flower and leaf (yes, he is winking at you, hot mama), which reflect the museum’s commitment to environmental stewardship (if he also indirectly boosts your confidence, that’s just a bonus). The gears in his beard represent engineering and technology, and the feather signifies the museum’s dedication to the arts.
What will the outdoor space entail? The Big Backyard will feature nature trails, a Tree Story Garden, outdoor rooms, and exhibits on water ecology, botany, weather forecasting, bird watching, and more.
Why St. Augustine? Well, the moms with the brilliant idea are from St. Augustine. Additionally, St. Augustine is a beautiful, popular tourist destination as well as very close to Jacksonville. The museum will support Florida curriculum and will hopefully become a great field trip option!
When does it open? Let’s be honest, this was probably the first thing you were wondering. I mean who wouldn’t like another option to engage the kids? The museum will be breaking ground this year and will open Phase 1 late 2015.
How can I be part of the fun?
- Visit the website www.tagmuseum.org. Here you will find a video showcasing the vision of the museum as well as have the opportunity to donate. Think about g All donations, regardless of size, are appreciated. Naming opportunities for exhibits, experiences, programming, and the outdoor spaces are still available. Please contact Kim MacEwan, Executive Director at [email protected] to learn how you or your business can help. What a cool way to invest in an exciting project so close to home!
- The Junior Service League of St. Augustine is hosting Feel the Wheels on Saturday, April 25 from 9am to 4pm at the St. Augustine Outlets (500 Outlet Mall Blvd. 32084). There will be plenty of hands-on fun with emergency vehicles, helicopters, and more! Proceeds will support the tag! Children’s Museum of St. Augustine. Tickets are $5/child 2 and up and free for adults.
- Friends of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre is sponsoring A Gathering of Friends, Children’s Arts Festival on Sunday, May 17 at 2pm (1340C AIA South 32080). The event is free and tag! will have a tent with a creative musical art project. Other activities at the event include opportunities to paint and bead, try instruments and make your own, make a puppet, learn dance steps, write a poem, and more!
- Find the museum on Facebook and get updates on the museum’s progress.
About the Author
Amee Bailey is a former actuary turned SAHM to two wonderful children, ages 5 and 1. Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee and a University of North Carolina graduate, Amee moved to Jacksonville after college for a job opportunity. Two years later she met her husband and the rest is a blur! Amee maximizes the blessing of staying home with frequent trips to the park, navigating the mom-dating scene, and obsessing over every parenting decision. She considers a day successful if it ends with two children and a husband, dinner on the table, and a dance party.
