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 The mission of the Junior Museum of Bay County is to inspire and educate children through interactive exhibits and programs focusing on science, history, cultural studies and the environment. Created in 1967, the 12-acre Junior Museum's exhibits are designed for use by preschool through middle school-aged children. Adult guidance and participation is recommended. In addition to its permanent and special exhibits, this Children's Museum offers educational and entertaining programs and classes. 
Additions to the museum since its opening include: a 1500-foot boardwalk & Nature Trail built in 1972 and reconstructed in 1998; Pioneer Homestead buildings, which portray Northwest Florida pioneer life, were donated from area counties in the early 1980's - Cabin and furnishings (Holmes County, 1893), Barn and Smokehouse with new displays (Jackson County, circa 1900), and Gristmill (Bay County, circa 1900); Permanent indoor interactive exhibits were created in 1990-1991: Captain Kid's Corner, Toddler Town, childhood learning center; Body Works, exploring human biology and nutrition; Hands-On Science, demonstrating basic scientific principles; The Nature Play, focusing on natural history; and Bay County: History Room, a pictorial history.  The Board of Directors consists of local businessmen and women that oversee the administration and development of the Junior Museum. The founding organizations and individuals maintain close ties to the museum and continue to provide support, both financially and with numerous volunteer hours. The Junior Museum receives local grants from the State of Florida, and is a member of the Florida Association of Museums, Association of Children’s Museums, American Youth Museums, Panama City Beach's Chamber of Commerce and Bay County Chamber of Commerce. 
The Junior Museum completed the Museum Assessment Program I (MAP) in 1997, MAP III in April 2001 and MAP II in April 2002 to ensure we are following museum standards.  Rachel Perry performs at Junior Museum's 40th Birthday Party Future Education and Culture Center - photo courtesy The News Herald Sketch by Bozarth Associates The Junior Museum continues to grow and change to meet the needs of diverse audience- children from all socio-economic groups, their parents and teachers. We welcome your comments and suggestions and we hope you enjoy your visit. While visiting the JM please fill out a comment/suggestion card. This information assists us with deciding what future exhibits to bring to the museum. The Junior Museum is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. 100% of contribution received is maintained and distributed by the Junior Museum of Bay County, Inc. Florida Solicitation of Contributions number CH-9431. So if you're looking for fun adventure-packed things to do, you and your little ones will be thrilled with the Junior Museum of Bay County! Click Here To Download Our Brochure  
Sponsors: Alfred DuPont Foundation Isaac W Byrd Family Foundation Fyfe Foundation 
Mr. M.G. Nelson GCWC Gulf Coast Woman's Club Bill & June Lloyd Staff Tish Sheesley, Executive Director Kerri Morgan, Education Director Sarah Sapp, Museum Administrator Luanne Cocco , Visitor Services / Volunteer Coordinator
| | Junior Museum's History In 1967, Junior Women’s Club and the Women's Club of Panama City conceived the idea for a children's museum in Bay County. Other civic organizations and many volunteers joined with them over the years to develop the museum into what it is today. The first exhibit opened in 1969 in a farmer’s market building that an elementary school’s kindergarten class shared. The current museum property was first leased from the City of Panama City in 1972. The present building was erected and the first exhibits staged in 1981. Forty Years Ago... Back in the 60’s, the Junior Museum in Tallahassee sparked an inspirational idea in Eleanor Lewis’ heart. Why not have an adventure place for children to play and learn in Bay County? She shared her vision with the Woman’s Club of Panama City and the Junior Woman’s Club, and they set out to make this dream a reality. “Eleanor was always great at recruiting volunteers,” commented Julie Cheshire, who has been a major lifeblood of the museum for years. Mrs. Cheshire has a background in history and interior design, and was recruited by Eleanor in the early years.
When asked how Mrs. Lewis was able to motivate so many volunteers, Julie chuckled. “Well, it was just so much fun! We wanted to make exhibits that would be fun for the children and involve them—not just something to look at. Warren Biegler, an engineer, would actually make the exhibits move. We had a Cape Buffalo head for an African exhibit, with the body painted to make it look real. When the children would step on a hidden panel, the buffalo would charge out at them!" In those early days, all the exhibits were built by the hands of volunteers. Curtis Jackson recalls an early Native American village exhibit. “We went out into the woods and got Saw Palmetto and wood, and built the teepees and all the tools, just the way the Native Americans did, from the things they found,” he related. As we celebrate 40 years, we give heartfelt thanks to all the dedicated and determined pioneers who, equipped with a passion to make learning fun, poured their hearts and lives into turning a dream into reality for our children—the Junior Museum of Bay County! | |
| Member & Visitor Testimonials my three grandchildren ages 8, 9 and 11 Saturday. We were there nearly four hours and they did not want to leave! We had so much fun and they actually learned something too." - Tricia, Panama City "This was a pleasant surprise! we have 8 childen and three of them are teenagers and at first they were reluctant to join us on this visit. But once we got in the place, EVERYONE seemed to really enjoy themselves! We will definetly visit this place again. They had alot of neat science things and also a trail to hike outside that the kids liked alot. I would recommend this place to anyone who has chldren that are looking for a place to have fun." J Pann, Georgia "I love the Junior Museum! Our children practically grew up there. They're all good at science, history and the arts, and I believe the Junior Museum played a vital role in that--with all the hands-on exhibits, workshops and camps. Our oldest is going to Medical School, our middle son is majoring in Political Science, and our daughter is majoring in Journalism. As a former homeschool parent, all I can say is Thank You, Junior Museum, for helping to make it all possible!" - JAR, Panama City "This is a great place to spend a few hours in the heat of summer. One of the exhibits includes part of a real boat. My three year old spent most of his time driving! They also have a small selection of reptiles (look only). An area devoted to the human body (skeleton on a bicycle). At the time we were there they had a special exhibit on lights and sounds. Well worth the admission. They also have some outdoor exhibits, but we didn't get to them. Try it!" - Manchester, TN "This is a wonderful place for your children. They have different themes throughout the year. It is very educational. They also schedule school fieldtrips." - Denise G., Panama City "The Junior Museum might be small museum but it has a big heart. We found the staff to be very attentive. We came for the reptile feeding and the kids learned a lot. They really liked the big giant frog with the big tongue. They changed around a lot of stuff not too long ago and the kids had a blast playing on stuff. Especially the boat and with the marbles that glow in the dark." Panama City | |
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