1. What is your organization or company? Give background history including who, when, and why it was founded.

The organization I have chosen is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. It first existed under the name Baltimore Children’s Museum as a city agency, but later merged with Maryland Children’s Museum and applied for (and was accepted) as a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation. Port Discovery is based off of the need for “purposeful play and learning” for children of all backgrounds and their families.

2. What do they do or make?  Describe the products and services and what makes them unique.

Port Discovery offers a hands-on learning experience with three floors of exhibits and activities. The museum houses permanent and visiting exhibits, holds special events, and fun days—weekly days with specific themes and activities related to that theme. In addition to the physical museum, Port Discovery offers special programming for public, private, and home school children; educator resources; and travelling exhibits. It is listed by Forbes magazine as one of the top twelve children’s museums in the nation.

3. Describe the culture of the organization or company. What is the work environment like – the atmosphere? What is the building like – exterior/interior, architecture, fittings and furniture? How do the employees work together? What are the jobs and roles of individuals? How are they treated by management?

Port Discovery is located in the 80,000 square foot historic downtown Fish Market building near the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. The exterior is a classic warehouse-like brick building. The interior has three floors filled with various educational and entertaining exhibits for children. The center of the building is open, so any visiting guest can see each level from the ground floor. Due to the size of this organization, there are many employees who work in guest relations, housekeeping, exhibits, education, marketing, and finance. There are six staff members who oversee these operations: David Berman-Director of Exhibits; Leslie Borenstein-Executive Vice President; Nora Moynihan-Director of Education and Community Enrichment; Magan Ruthke-Director of Guest Services; Rick Williams-Vice President of Finance; and Michelle Winner-Vice President of Marketing. Full time employees are paid salary and given a “generous benefits package”, while part time employees are paid hourly.

4. Who is the targeted audience? What are their demographics?

The target audience is children ages birth to ten years old with special interest in children from undeserving communities and children with special needs. Baltimore is one of the largest and poorest cities in the U.S. and is predominantly Black and African American (61%).

5. What is the organization or company mission statement?

Port Discovery’s mission statement is to connect purposeful play and learning within our walls and beyond.