Evolving With the Times
Preserving history while evolving with the times is central to the Everhart’s continued mission. In recent years, the museum has seen significant growth in attendance thanks to exhibits like Hubble Space Telescope: New Views of the Universe. The Office Exhibition has also attracted new visitors by celebrating the television series’ connection to Scranton.
The Office exhibit opened during the show’s 20th anniversary celebration. Since then, it has attracted visitors from around the world. “We now have people every day coming from all over the world,” Tim says. “It is spectacular. Just last week, we had a group from England that was here. Thursday, we had two different groups from France. Two days before that, a woman from Czechia.” The exhibit has helped introduce entirely new audiences to the museum and the city itself.
“Our admission this year is double from what it was last year,” says Tim. “It’s all a positive thing and it’s reintroducing the Everhart to the community, but also every bit as importantly, letting the world come here.”
For James, evolving exhibits and programming are essential to keeping museums relevant for future generations. “Museums have to change,” he says. “If they don’t, no one’s going to come. It’s a whole different world now.”
That philosophy extends beyond exhibits and into the museum’s educational programming and community events. The Everhart hosts summer camps, lectures and workshops throughout the year. They also host annual family-friendly events like Everhart in Bloom Community Day, Raking and Fun Community Day and Snow Much Fun Community Day.
This year, the museum also introduced a new adult program series called Crafty Hour. “We bring in all different sorts of lectures, demonstrations, activities, just kind of getting people to make art for art’s sake,” says Camille.
Creating a Space for Everyone
At the heart of the Everhart’s mission is accessibility — not only financially, but culturally and socially as well. The museum partners with libraries throughout Pennsylvania to offer free admission passes. It also participates in the Museums for All program for families receiving SNAP, WIC and housing assistance. And they offer free admission for veterans, active military families and children under 12. “There truly is a way to get into the museum free every single day,” Camille adds.
That accessibility also means ensuring visitors feel represented inside the museum’s walls and creating opportunities for children to connect with art, science and culture from a young age. A former Scranton School District student, Camille grew up attending Everhart programs. As a child she even had artwork displayed in a student exhibition at the museum. “I am here to make 10-year-old Camille proud,” she says.
Now, she works to create the same opportunities for today’s children. “I continue to make my younger self proud every single day. And I’m giving back to the community that continue to serve me as well too, because accessibility is my main thing.”
She believes museums can serve an even greater purpose in modern life. “Our museum is a community hub,” she says. “It’s almost creating that third space that doesn’t really, really exist for many people nowadays, but we’re trying to bring that back.”
A Mission That Continues
More than a century after Dr. Everhart first envisioned the museum, it continues adapting while remaining true to the original mission. “We are continuing to spark that creativity,” Camille says. “Especially with our children that we bring and they need to see themselves in the artwork that we have on these walls.”
Ensuring the museum remains part of Scranton’s future requires continued support from the community that has sustained it for generations. The museum welcomes volunteers, donations, membership, sponsorships and community involvement of all kinds. You can lead tours, assist with events, support educational programming or contribute financially toward preserving the institution for the next century.
“We want to be here for another 119 years,” Tim exclaims.
