Our History

Inspiring Children Since 1985

Our Mission

To bring our diverse world to children.

Our History

The World Awareness Children’s Museum (WACM) originated as the vision of one woman, Dr. Jacquiline S. Touba, who in 1985, believed with a dozen other community leaders, that sharing and exchanging the visions of children around the world would promote an appreciation of cultural diversities.

The International Arts & Culture Association (IACA) was formed in 1985 and augmented a growing collection of children’s art with educational artifacts from around the world. IACA also organized the annual International Festival of the Adirondacks from 1985 to 1995.

To preserve these growing collections, IACA applied to the Board of Regents of the New York State Department of Education to become a Museum. In 1995, the World Awareness Children’s Museum was chartered.

The World Awareness Children’s Museum is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization funded from admissions, memberships, retail store, fundraising events, and donations and grants from individuals, corporations, and government.