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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2008

LOUIS B. CASSAGRANDE, PHD TO LEAVE
POST AT BOSTON CHILDRENS MUSEUM IN JUNE 2009

(BOSTON, MA) October 2, 2008, Jon Rounds, Chairman of the Board of Boston Children’s Museum (BCM), announced today that Louis B. Casagrande, PhD has informed the Board of his decision to step down from his position as President and CEO on June 30, 2009.

“As of June 2009, Lou will have led Boston Children’s Museum through 15 years of unprecedented growth and accomplishment. The Museum has never been stronger, and with Lou continuing in his current role over the next nine months, we foresee a smooth and healthy transition. Next June we will see Lou off with joy, appreciation and accolades for the incredible legacy he leaves us as he moves on to explore the next chapter in his life,” said Rounds.

“It has been an honor and privilege to lead this great institution and to have served and learned from the most deeply committed Board in Boston,” Lou Casagrande said to BCM board and staff last evening. “What we have done together over the last fifteen years has exceeded all expectations:

• We have built a fabulous new “Green” home on the Fort Point Channel, filled with wonderful new exhibitions and programs.
• We have reconnected with the neighborhoods of Boston through strong and lasting partnerships.
• We have created the basis for long-term financial stability.
• And, most important, we have brought joy and fun and learning to millions of kids, thanks to an exceptional staff, whose talents and dedication is second to none in the children’s museum movement.”

Casagrande concluded by saying “I am absolutely sure that we will attract new leadership that will, on the eve of our Centennial, bring new ideas and new relevance for our next 100 years. And when I leave next June, I am not leaving the cause of enriching the lives of children. I am excited about what possibilities there might be for me to bring children more equity in the world. And, as I always tell staff, you have to stay in touch with the five year-old inside---stay curious, keep growing and learning. So, I guess I am taking my own advice. “

About Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum exists to help children understand and enjoy the world in which they live. It is a private, non-profit, educational institution that is recognized internationally as a research and development center and pacesetter for children's exhibitions, educational programs and curriculum. Boston Children’s Museum incorporates two strategies - engaging families and building communities - to impact five outcome areas for children: Creative Kids, Curious Kids, Global Kids, Green Kids and Healthy Kids. More information about Boston Children’s Museum can be found at www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org.

Hours and Admission
The Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Fridays until 9:00 p.m. Children (2-15) and senior citizens, $8; other adults, $10; one year olds, $2; Fridays 5:00pm - 9:00pm, all visitors $1. Infants under one and Museum members are always free.

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