Thirty years have passed from the “why not” through the “we can” to the “we will” and now “we are.”

Incorporated in April 1990, the Bootheel Youth Museum was established in Malden, Missouri, by a group of dedicated civic leaders, school teachers, administrators, and interested citizens in the Southeast Missouri area.  The mission and purpose of the museum were developed and adopted by the board of directors on Feb. 24, 1992, and the museum opened its doors to the public on March 9, 1996.

What began as a conversation between three local women soon evolved to include more than 250 volunteers and over 25 major businesses who continue to enable the museum to meet its goals and mission.  Under the guidance of the executive director, the museum has grown from its original 10,000 square feet of exhibit hall to 25,000 square feet, which includes the BYM Children's Village, Missouri Nature, Shadow Room, Bubble Room, Nano, and The Sun, Earth, Universe. 

Thousands of children have enjoyed a variety of educationally enriching programs in our 180-seat children’s theater. The Bootheel Youth Museum has had over 462,000 visitors in its 28-year history.