ABSTRACT
Understanding the museum and its place in society is important for decision-makers in the field from those in leadership roles to practitioners in the trenches. Research offers insight that expands thinking about what is needed for the future and, in the case of this independent survey, offers a range of perspectives about how museums are serving young children. One approach to gathering data is to capture the views of those within the museum field as well as those who represent the community. Survey responses from this specific survey suggest that museums are important opportunities for children and families to learn and experience new ideas, yet there are perceived shortcomings regarding who is served and limitations on which museums are welcoming young visitors into their midst. Survey responses offer museum professionals an opportunity to examine practices in the field and in their own institutions and work toward more effective and more inclusive practices in the twenty-first century.
