Mission, Values, and Purpose
Our Mission
TO FOSTER WONDER AND CURIOSITY ABOUT HEALTH, MEDICAL SCIENCE AND THE HUMAN BODY.
Our Values
- INSPIRATIONAL
- EVIDENCE-BASED
- INDIVIDUALIZED
Our Purpose
TO EMPOWER HEALTHIER LIVING.
Who We Are
In the heart of Houston, The Health Museum inspires passion and curiosity in health, the medical sciences and the human body. With over 2.5 million visitors, we are the most interactive and popular science learning center of its kind and a favorite among Houstonians.
The Health Museum is committed to excellence in innovative and interactive health and science educational experiences such as:
- A larger than life journey through the human body
- New and exciting traveling exhibits
- Real organ dissections
- Science mini-classes and mini-med schools
- Health fairs and community outreach
- Family science labs
- School field trips
- Home school classes and programs
- Scout programs
- Summer camps
In addition to our permanent exhibits, the Amazing Body Gallery and the world-class DeBakey Cell Lab, other attractions include the McGovern Theater, the Sue Trammell Whitfield Gallery for traveling exhibitions, and four Learning Centers for classes, camps, and activities. The museum offers affordable membership rates for individuals and families. Visitors enjoy shopping for unique gifts at the museum's Amazing Body Store.
History
- As a result of the 1962 "Victory Over Polio" campaign, sponsored by the Harris County Medical Society and the Junior Chamber of Commerce, a citizens committee consisting of George Morse, Oveta Culp Hobby, Morgan Davis and Gail Whitcomb recommended that permanent health exhibits be constructed for public display. With funds raised through public contributions to the polio immunization program, along with contributions from physicians and a grant from Houston Endowment Inc., the Harris County Medical Society initiated plans to construct public health education exhibits.
- On November 16, 1969, the museum came to life as the “Museum of Medical Science” in the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Over the next 21 years, museum patrons enjoyed exhibits and outreach programs, helping fulfill the need for quality health information and education. Building a separate institution dedicated to health education had been a dream of the museum's founders for many years. Following a successful $9.5 million capital campaign, the magnificent John P. McGovern Building was built in the heart of Houston's Museum District. The Museum of Health & Medical Science opened its doors on March 16, 1996.
- In late 2001, the museum's Board of Trustees recognized the unparalleled contribution of Dr. John P. McGovern to the museum's success. Upon the trustees' unanimous vote, the museum was renamed the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science.
- In 2006, the Museum celebrated its tenth anniversary and launched a new brand, including a fresh logo.
- On January 27, 2007, the museum opened the Sue Trammell Whitfield Galery, a 6,000 square foot space where traveling exhibits from around the country are displayed.
- On June 7, 2008 , the museum opened its first new permanent exhibit gallery since 1996, You: The Exhibit, an interactive exhibit that explores the who, what, when, how and why of you. And just three months later, on September 5, we debuted Houston's first 4D Theater, the McGovern Theater.
- August 7, 2009, the museum, in partnership with the Museum of Science, Boston, marked the first time that two science centers collaborated to produce an original, science-based, digital 3D film for a museum-focused audience. Planet You 3D is a journey in the microscopic world of creatures that live and thrive on your skin.
- In May 2011, the museum completed an expansion that included an addition of learning centers and an expanded museum Grand Hall, transforming both the physical and experiential footprint of the museum for educational and institutional audiences.
- On March 27, 2015, The Health Museum opened the DeBakey Cell Lab, its first permanent exhibit in five years. The DeBakey Cell Lab is a unique science-focused experiences and the only bilingual science lab museum exhibit in the country. Honorably named after the respected and accomplished medical pioneer, Michael E. DeBakey, M.D., this 2,000 sq. ft. exhibit features seven authentic biology-based science experiments developed for visitors ages 7 to adult.
- In March of 2016 The Health Museum celebrated 20 years in its current building.
- On July 27, 2017 The Health Museum became a Smithsonian Institute Museum - the first Smithsonian Affiliated Museum in the Houston Museum District. This unparalleled designation as a Smithsonian Affiliate provides the resources, education, and knowledge of the world's largest museum to the Houston area.
- In November, 2019, The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science celebrated 50 years in our community!
The Health Museum is dedicated to becoming an even greater vehicle for families to understand their bodies, take proactive measures to be healthy, live longer and begin to counteract the rapidly rising costs of managing health. We are dedicated to addressing the Social Determinants of Health through our exhibitions, programming, events, and membership.
To view more details about The Health Museum, please visit Guidestar, DonorHouston, and Charity Navigator. Below you will find our 2019 Form 990 and Financial Audit Report.
