The following essay was submitted by Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership, Inc. (LEAP) Communications Coordinator Melissa Liriano.
Earlier this month, the Yale Peabody Museum came alive in a whole new way. Nearly 300 LEAP and Q House families filled the galleries for “Night at the Museum,” an after-hours event that brought together science education, community connection, and plenty of fun.
The event was the result of an ongoing partnership between LEAP and the Peabody Museum that included collaborations with Peabody staff teaching about science to LEAP children during their overnight camping trips to Camp Cedarcrest this summer, continuing into the fall to involve LEAP children’s families as well.
Andrea Motto, the museum’s Assistant Director of Public Education & Outreach, said the relationship has been invaluable. “The Peabody Museum values our partnership with LEAP, as a trusted and important entity that does a lot of good for a lot of families in New Haven,” Motto said. “LEAP’s long-term relationships with families are incredible, and we can learn a lot from all of the ways that LEAP and Q House are responsive to the community.”
While the Peabody is free to visit, museum staff recognized that some community members still hadn’t made it through the doors. They wanted to create an evening that felt welcoming and different from a typical museum visit, something that would draw families in and make the space feel like it truly belonged to everyone.
What they came up with was part science fair, part block party. The museum’s Great Hall turned into a dance floor where kids, parents, and grandparents lined up together for line dancing. Glow sticks lit up the space as families moved through the galleries, checking out exhibits and trying their hand at different activities.
In the Peabody’s lower level, kids cracked open geodes to see the crystals inside. As they explored the museum and learned about dinosaurs and minerals, they collected stamps in special passports, which earned them a chance to enter a raffle at the end of the night. At craft stations, children made their own creations to take home. Families enjoyed free pizza and beverages while listening to live music from a DJ.
Local authors Dr. Ainissa Ramirez and Laura McClam Williams connected with families throughout the evening. Thanks to a donation from New Haven Reads, families went home with science books for their home libraries, along with their artwork, geodes, and whatever else they’d collected during the night.
“Night at the Museum was such a special experience,” said Janeylis Soto-Alejandro, a LEAP counselor. “I love seeing the community come together dancing, eating, exploring…it’s always so fun. And with my soft spot for anything nature-related, the exhibits made it even better. Events like this really bring people together in a meaningful way. It’s important to build a relationship with your community for connections and support.”
Parents watched their kids examine fossils and compare the crystals from their geodes. They even took photos in front of the dinosaur skeletons. It was the kind of evening where learning happened naturally.
The museum’s high school employees, who ran activity stations in the galleries, had a good time too. “Night at the Museum was a magical night filled with festivities for all the kids. 10/10 would do it again,” said Maruth Somalinga. Keshley Colon added, “It was such a fun and educational experience! I enjoyed stamping the kids’ passports after they learned something new.” Patricio Sosa put it simply: “The best two hours I had working here.”
The evening showed what’s possible when community organizations work together with families at the center. For LEAP, it was another way to connect families with educational opportunities right here in New Haven. For the Peabody, it was a step toward becoming a more known space for all its neighbors.
And for the families who filled the museum that night? It was just a family-friendly, fun evening of dancing, learning, and spending time together.