NEWS RELEASE
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
6 Washington Street, Dover NH 03820
603-742-2002
www.childrens-museum.org
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire establishes new leadership
(Dover, NH – September 30, 2013) – The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is tapping into the strength of
long-time staff members to lead the organization’s next phase of growth and development.
The Museum’s board of directors today announced the appointment of Jane Bard to the role of Museum President,
and Paula Rais to the newly created position of Museum Vice President of Development and Community
Engagement. Together, Bard and Rais will be managing Museum operations and the implementation of a recently
completed strategic plan for the organization.
“This is the Children’s Museum’s thirtieth year of operation and we could not be more pleased to have this new
leadership team in place,” stated Eric Gregg, President of the Museum’s board of directors. “Five years after
moving to Dover, the Museum is thriving with great new programs, excellent community connections and more than
90,000 visitors a year. We have chosen two passionate and experienced professionals to continue expanding and
deepening our impact with families, schools and under-served populations. Jane and Paula have our full
confidence and we look forward to working with them to achieve the Museum’s goals.”
Jane Bard, who holds a master’s degree in education, has been with the museum for 19 years, and served as the
Museum’s Associate Director for several years and Director of Education for more than 10 years. Bard has
developed and directed the organization’s education-based programming, served as co-chair of the New England
Museum Association’s children’s museums professional affinity group, and presented at numerous regional and
national conferences. She is currently working with the Dover Chamber’s Business and Education Committee and
has served on the Dover Kids’ Cabinet.
“Jane has done a remarkable job as the Director of Education for the Museum,” said Gregg. “Coming off her recent
planning and execution of the highly successful Dover Mini Maker Faire and her consistent leadership of a thriving
education program, Jane is especially well suited to being elevated to the role of Museum President.”
With a background in education and the arts, Paula Rais joined the Children’s Museum staff 12 years ago. She
created the Museum To You program in 2003, taking a miniature version of the Museum across the state and
beyond to bring a children’s museum experience to under-served communities. More recently, Rais created the
Museum’s Exploring Our Way Autism Partnership Program and the East Coast’s first Alzheimer’s Café, which won
the Leaders in Innovation Award from the New England Museum Association. She has been a featured speaker at
national conferences, has facilitated professional workshops, and is involved in museum industry leadership.
Gregg explained, “Paula’s history with the Museum, particularly her successful development of the Exploring Our
Way and Alzheimer’s Café programs, and the wide range of relationships she has with the education and business
communities, make her the ideal person to head up the Museum’s development efforts, in addition to retaining her
role as Director of Community Engagement.”
The Museum’s former Executive Director, Justine Roberts, resigned from the Museum to pursue other opportunities
at the end of August. Gregg indicated that Roberts served as an effective transitional leader for the Museum, taking
the helm from its founding director in 2011. “Justine played an important role in the formation of the Museum's new
mission, vision and core values, amongst other accomplishments. The Museum and board wish Justine every
success in her new endeavor."
About the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
The not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located at 6 Washington Street in Dover and offers two
levels of hands-on, interactive exhibits for children from newborn to middle school. Children can explore a wide
range of subjects, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art and natural history. Open yearround, the Silver LEED-certified museum specializes in creating memorable family learning experiences and works
closely with schools, social service agencies and educators. The museum also hosts a variety of live performances,
workshops, classes and special events for families. For more information, please call the museum at (603) 7422002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org
Contact:
Heidi Duncanson, Director of Marketing
Children’s Museum of NH
603-742-2002
[email protected]
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