On Friday, November 8, 2024, Port Discovery Children’s Museum was excited to open its doors to over 700 veterans, active-duty military members, and their families for our annual USO Night. This special and impactful event, made possible in partnership with Maryland USO offices, offered an evening filled with joy, discovery, and connection—all at no cost to those who have given so much in service. For us, hosting USO Night is a way to express our deep gratitude to those who have sacrificed for our nation and to help new military families feel welcome in their community.
Throughout the evening, families explored 3 floors of interactive exhibits and enjoyed hands-on activities designed for every age. Pop-up activities such as sock puppet making, designing Shrinky-dinks and crafting a “Giving Plate” in our Art Cove added a layer of enrichment, encouraging families to create together and leave with tangible keepsakes of the night.
We would like to extend our thanks to Delegate Bagnall (District 33C, Anne Arundel County), Senator Brooks (District 10, Baltimore County), Senator Gile (District 33, Anne Arundel County), Delegate Kipke (District 31, Anne Arundel County), and Delegate Ruff (District 41, Baltimore City) for joining us in welcoming newly stationed military families to the city.
Port Discovery strives to offer more than just play; we aim to create a safe, engaging environment where learning, exploration, and wonder flourish. Events like USO Night allow us to put our mission into action by providing military families with a space where they can feel a sense of belonging. In a children’s museum, play is more than fun—it’s transformative, a vehicle through which children and their caregivers learn about resilience, emotional expression, and understanding complex feelings in a nurturing environment.
“I think it is a really neat idea that Port Discovery has asked us to collaborate year after year so we can get the military families in tune to what is going on in the City and a really cool opportunity for the kids.” –Kathy Campbell, Center Operations Specialist, Fort Meade USO Center
We’re grateful to be a place where military families, who often relocate and adapt to new surroundings, can establish new traditions and explore cultural attractions as part of our larger community. Each year, USO Night stands as a reminder of the positive impact play and connection can have, especially for those who sacrifice so much in service to our nation.
To all who joined us: thank you for the memories and laughter shared. We look forward to seeing these families back at Port Discovery as they continue to explore, learn, and grow.
To learn more about how you can donate to support events like USO night visit: https://www.portdiscovery.org/join-donate/supporters/