About Junior Museum of Bay County

Created in 1967, the 12-acre Junior Museum's exhibits are designed for use by preschool through middle school-aged children. Adult guidance and participation is recommended. In addition to its permanent and special exhibits, this Children's Museum offers educational and entertaining programs and classes.

Junior Museum's History

In 1967, Junior Women’s Club and the Women's Club of Panama City conceived the idea for a children's museum in Bay County. Other civic organizations and many volunteers joined with them over the years to develop the museum into what it is today. The first exhibit opened in 1969 in a farmer’s market building that an elementary school’s kindergarten class shared. The current museum property was first leased from the City of Panama City in 1972. The present building was erected and the first exhibits staged in 1981.

Additions to the museum since its opening include: a 1500 feet boardwalk & nature trail built in 1972 and reconstructed in 1998; The newly refurbished Bay Line Engine 904 (circa 1943) provides an important reminder of the history of the railroad system; Pioneer buildings, which portray Northwest Florida pioneer life, were donated from area counties in the early 1980's - Cabin and furnishings (Holmes County, 1893), Barn and Smokehouse with new displays (Jackson County, circa 1900), and Gristmill (Bay County, circa 1900); Permanent indoor interactive exhibits were created in 1990-1991: Imagine Me, Toddler Town, childhood learning center; Body Works, exploring human biology and nutrition; Hands-On Science, demonstrating basic scientific principles; The Nature Play, focusing on natural history; and Bay County -: Once Upon a Time, a pictorial history.

The Board of Directors consists of local businessmen and women that oversee the administration and development of the JM. The founding organizations and individuals maintain close ties to the museum and continue to provide support, both financially and with numerous volunteer hours.

The JM receives local grants from the State of Florida, and is a member of the Florida Association of Museums, Association of Children’s Museums, American Youth Museums, Panama City Beach's Chamber of Commerce and Bay County Chamber of Commerce

The JM completed the Museum Assessment Program I (MAP) in 1997, MAP III in April 2001 and MAP II in April 2002 to ensure we are following museum standards.

The JM continues to grow and change to meet the needs of diverse audience- children from all socio-economic groups, their parents and teachers. We welcome your comments and suggestions and we hope you enjoy your visit. While visiting the JM please fill out a comment/suggestion card. This information assists us with deciding what future exhibits to bring to the museum.

The mission of the Junior Museum of Bay County is to inspire and educate children through interactive exhibits and programs focusing on science, history, cultural studies and the environment. The Junior Museum is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. 100% of contribution received is maintained and distributed by the Junior Museum of Bay County, Inc. Florida Solicitation of Contributions number CH-9431. So if you're looking for things to do, what better than The Junior Museum?