Amazement by the Numbers: The Stats and Stories Behind Our Impact

At the Scott Family Amazeum, numbers help tell our story—but the real impact is in the moments of discovery, curiosity, and connection that happen every day. Behind every statistic is a child’s first spark of inspiration, a family’s day of shared exploration, or a teacher discovering new ways to bring hands-on learning to their students.

This past year, more than 245,000 guests stepped through our doors. Each visit added to the ever-growing network of creativity and play that fuels the Amazeum’s mission.

 

 

More Than Just Numbers

When we look at the past year, the numbers are remarkable:

• 26,224+ guests came on Unfield Trips, bringing learning to life in new ways.
• 4,959 miles were traveled to bring library programs into communities across Northwest Arkansas.
• 1,597 groups explored, built, and tinkered together.
• 583 campers spent their summer immersed in creativity, curiosity, and hands-on problem-solving.
• 805 hours were spent engaging with the community beyond our walls.

But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. They don’t capture Henry, a 15-year-old leatherworker who joined our Youth Maker Program. Through the program, he refined his craft and embraced the challenge of selling his products. “I learned how to improve my product and start selling it,” Henry shared. With support from the Amazeum, he sold his leather goods in the museum store and at community events, gaining confidence in both his craftsmanship and his ability to connect with customers. His mother shared, “He feels more confident in his craft and in interacting with customers.”

They don’t capture Gavin, who first attended Tinkerfest as a child, fascinated by the car take-apart station. That early spark of curiosity led him to pursue a technical education in automotive mechanics. Years later, he returned to Tinkerfest—not as a guest, but as a volunteer—guiding other kids through the same hands-on experience that had inspired his path. “I love that the Amazeum gives kids hands-on experiences to explore new things,” he shared.

And they don’t capture Sidney, a 13-year-old artist who joined the Youth Maker Program to share her creativity. Initially shy, she struggled with the idea of selling her work and engaging with customers. But as she gained experience, she found her voice. By the end of the market, she confidently sold her handmade bookmarks and stickers and even participated in a video interview—something she never thought she could do. “I became much more comfortable talking with strangers to sell my work,” Sidney shared. Her mom added, “By the end of the market, Sidney participated in a video interview—a huge accomplishment!”

Growth Rooted in Community

The Amazeum is a living, growing space, much like the curiosity it nurtures. Learning, creativity, and play are woven into everything we do, from the hands-on workshops that help kids build confidence to the Priceless Nights that make sure cost isn’t a barrier to discovery. Every visit, every moment of play, every experiment—it all contributes to something greater: a future where creativity and innovation are second nature.

And we’re just getting started.

In 2025, we're taking our next big step with a capital campaign to expand the Amazeum, growing alongside the community that supports us. Much like a forest that thrives through interwoven roots, our growth is only possible because of the connections we build—with families, educators, makers, and lifelong learners.

The numbers are impressive, but the stories behind them are what truly define our impact. With your support, we’ll keep planting the seeds of curiosity, nurturing creativity, and building a space where wonder can flourish for generations to come.

Your support makes these moments possible. Whether it’s through visiting, donating, or spreading the word, you help us continue to build a space where curiosity thrives. Want to be part of what’s next? Learn more about how you can support the Amazeum: https://www.amazeum.org/donate/capital-campaign/

Thank you for being part of this journey.