Children's Museum of Rome
is a 501 c(3) organization seeking to bring hands-on and interactive learning to the Rome/Floyd Area. This will be an incredible asset to Rome, but we need YOUR help!
Anticipated Grand Opening: December 2025
Why does Rome need a Children’s Museum?
Imagine curious children experiencing a replica of what makes Rome, GA, such a special community. They connect with our beloved landmarks and businesses, learning about baking, banking, farming, and firefighters. They practice caring for a sick animal, changing a flat tire, and the importance of preventative medicine. They splash their friends in a water table shaped like the Coosa River and climb to the scenic view atop the Clocktower.
Each exhibit tells a story, reflecting how a community thrives when we all work together. The permanent and special event exhibits encourage STEAM play and a love of northwest Georgia. We want to spark imagination and creativity in a safe, fun, hands-on learning environment.
- Play is essential to learning
- Limited opportunities within 35 miles
- Rome & Floyd County have 13,000 kids under age 12
- Clear benefits of STEAM education
A Letter from Daniel and Jenna
As native Romans, we know that Rome is a great place to raise a family. Daniel and I grew up experiencing firsthand the feeling of our beloved small town and all it has to offer. However, creating educational and inspirational experiences for our three young children is challenging. What would make our community a better place to live?
While visiting family in Florida, we looked for memorable things to do with our daughters and found a Children’s museum in Jensen Beach. The exhibits were fun and interactive and highlighted the businesses in that community. We saw our daughters’ eyes light up excitedly while navigating a grocery store just their size. Lauren pretended to be a veterinarian caring for stuffed animals. Luci went live on a green screen, reporting the news in front of a real television camera. We looked at each other and said, “Rome needs this!” From that moment, the idea took off. Parents and grandparents were thrilled about the potential for more activities with their families. With great joy, we established Children’s Museum of Rome as a non-profit organization in June 2023.
Since its inception, Children’s Museum of Rome (CMOR) has been dedicated to living out our mission, even before the museum is built. We partnered with local organizations to lead STEM activities at Rome and Floyd County community events: YMCA’s Boo Fest, Chiaha, school STEM nights, and Touch-A-Truck with the Rome Emperors. Each time we see a child light up or a parent beam with excitement, we feel energized at the thought of bringing this dream to life.
However, our work is not done! We want to build a hands-on learning facility that keeps families coming back for new and exciting memories together over and over again. Imagine children experiencing the fullness of what Rome has to offer. These precious moments spark genuine interest in kids for their future and the future of Rome. A career as a firefighter, doctor, or entrepreneur can all be explored within the museum's walls at such a young age.
We know that we cannot build this museum alone. Children’s Museum of Rome needs community partnerships, financial contributions, and volunteers to make this happen. With your help, we can impact Rome and Floyd County for generations and create a legacy we can all be proud of. Please consider donating to the cause and truly make a difference in the lives of children.
Let’s Build This Together!
Daniel and Jenna Bosarge
What people are saying
“Rome has a great parks and recreation system and a wonderful county library system, but what we are really lacking is an environment that allows for children to explore all of their senses through interactive play.“
-Carroll Family
“Few places exist for children to go inside and play, especially places that are affordable for families that cater to every child, regardless of their background.”
-LaDonna Collins
FAQ
Where will the Children’s Museum of Rome be located?
- We are in the process of finding the best location to fit all of our needs. Ideally, the museum will be centrally located within the city limits of Rome and will also serve surrounding counties with ease and convenience.
What will be in the museum?
- The museum will feature community-based exhibits highlighting the unique businesses and industries within Rome/Floyd County. A mix of temporary exhibits will also keep the museum experience fresh for families who want to revisit time and time again. Exhibits will be hands-on and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) based and will encourage families to interact and learn together.
Will the exhibits change?
- Yes– temporary exhibits are an exciting feature we plan to offer to keep visitors wanting to come back for more fun.
What is the target audience/ ages for the museum?
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Our target audience is children ages 0-12. However, we plan to offer a learning environment that sparks the imagination of the whole family.
How can my business be involved?
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Organizations can sponsor exhibits that highlight their unique industry, sponsor a classroom, or have naming rights to another part of the museum.
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Businesses can also make annual or one-time donations as well.
Will there be additional programming such as field trips, birthday parties, summer camp, etc.?
- CMOR plans to partner with our local city and county schools for enrichment activities such as field trips and summer camps. We will have designated classroom spaces available for groups and birthday parties.
Will the Children’s Museum be accessible to children of all abilities?
- Yes, we are 100% committed to making the museum accessible to children of all abilities. Learning is fun for everyone!
Pledge Questions
How long is the pledge period?
- A pledge greater than $25,000 may be spread out over 3 years.
Can I make a contribution other than cash?
- Yes. Gifts of appreciated stocks and bonds, real estate, life insurance, and charitable trusts will be gratefully received. A planned giving expert will be made available upon request to help you understand the benefits of different methods of giving.
Can I make a gift in honor/memory of someone?
- Yes- A gift may be made to honor or memorialize someone. A special packet will be prepared for the honoree referencing that a gift has been made in his or her name.
Do you accept pledges from businesses?
- Yes.
Is my pledge tax deductible?
- Yes- The Children’s Museum of Rome is a 501(c)3 organization.
- Our EIN is 93-1684502
Will I be notified when my pledge is due?
- Yes- A member of our team will contact you when your pledge is due.
Executive Board
President - Jenna Bosarge
Vice President - Mark Suroviec
Treasurer - Daniel Bosarge
Secretary - Megan Treglown
Board Members
Terri Ainsworth
Rob Bice
Mike Elliott
Emily Johnson
Amber Taylor
Stephen Taylor
Our Core Values
- INTERACTIVE PLAY: We believe that learning should be FUN! Play is an essential part of a child's development. We hope to create an environment encouraging laughter, imagination, and hands-on exploration. Exhibits and programming will encourage children to participate, ask questions, and explore their interests!
- COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP: By working with the community, we have a stronger impact on children at a young age. Our exhibits are made possible with key parts of Rome/Floyd. By teaching children about different aspects of a community, they will gain insight into how a community functions and the different roles and responsibilities of citizens and workers.
- EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: Our environment will encourage critical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving! Each exhibit/ program seeks to implement STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and math) principles to foster a love of learning.
- ACCESSIBLE TO ALL: We are dedicated to creating a space that is accessible to all children, regardless of abilities or background. We strive to provide accommodations to ensure every child can fully participate and enjoy their visit.
