H2H Power of Play 2023 - 5

A L E T T E R F ROM AR T H U R
ARTHUR G. Affleck, III
Execut ive Direc tor, Association of Children's Museums
T
DISCOVERY. HAPPY ENLIGHTENMENT.
WONDER. IMAGINATION.
hese are just some of the words this month's Hand
to Hand contributors use to describe the Power of
Play in children's museums. I agree and offer one
more: Learning. At ACM, we know that play is
learning-full stop.
In our recent ACM informational brief, The
power of play in children's museums and elsewhere, we
share research-backed information about how play
is a powerful experience that enriches the lives of
children and adults in museums, schools, homes,
and beyond. Children's museums nurture skills of
innovation and creativity through play, foster crosscultural
empathy and collaboration, and promote
social-emotional learning for all ages.
In our recent partnership with Nickelodeon on
this year's Our World: Worldwide Day of Play, we
thought, " What better theme for Hand to Hand
than the Power of Play? " In this issue, you will
discover (or rediscover) the importance of role-play
in problem solving and the shared joy of playful
learning across generations. We explore play as it
relates to agency in children and school readiness.
We also expound on children's museums and how
play is incorporated into museum networks and
community partnerships.
As we know, there are people who do not
appreciate the power and impact of hands-on,
interactive playful learning. Nor do they truly
understand the lasting positive impacts of regular
visits to children's museums. So, I hope you will do
as I do and take every opportunity to talk about our
field and the vital work we do to enrich the lives of
children and families.
This issue of Hand to Hand also brings what
we plan to make regular features: ACM member
highlights (kicking off with two of IMLS's honored
National Medal winners), emerging museum
insights, and recognition to museums celebrating
major milestones. In addition, we continue the
conversations being held in our monthly ACM
Hangouts by job role.
As you read through this issue of Hand to Hand,
we hope you enjoy the new layout and design of
the publication. Optimized for online reading,
this digital publication allows you to print, share
via social media and email, and explore extended
content through links and video. The publication
has been redesigned to better align with the new
colorful, bold, and energetic ACM brand.
childrensmuseums.org | 3
http://www.childrensmuseums.org
H2H Power of Play 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of H2H Power of Play 2023
