“Bessie’s Closet,” a Free Pop-up Clothing Shop, May 2 - 4 at Discovery Museum

ACTON, MA – Discovery Museum will host a free-of-charge pop-up clothing shop, called “Bessie’s Closet,” May 2 – 4, 2025. Donations of new or gently used clean clothing in any size are being collected through April 27. A collection box is located in the Museum’s lobby. Kids sizes 6 – 14 are most needed.

Bessie’s Closet will be open to all on Friday, November 1, 3:30pm – 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday, November 2 and 3, 10:00am – 3:00pm. Museum admission is not required to shop. 

Per Kellie Roche, Discovery Museum Programs Educator, “Reusing clothing is eco-friendly and a great way to help support members of our community.”

Bessie’s Closet began as a staff-led initiative in 2022, and since then more than 8,000 pounds of clothing has been distributed. 

**************************************

About Discovery Museum

Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum for families that blends science, nature, and play. The museum and its Discovery Woods accessible outdoor nature playscape and giant treehouse blend the best of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) learning on a beautiful 4.5-acre campus abutting 180 acres of conservation land in Acton, MA, about 20 miles west of Boston. Originally founded in 1982 and expanded to two museums in 1987, the museum reopened in a single, 16,000sf accessible building after a complete renovation and expansion in early 2018. Hands-on, open-ended exhibits developed by professional educators inspire curiosity and exploration, providing a fun and engaging experience for children and adults to discover their world together. Serving families and schools from towns throughout the region, the museum is devoted to informal education that enhances classroom learning. Discovery Museum is committed to accessibility and is a proud recipient of the Massachusetts Commonwealth Award, the only winner in the Access category, and a LEAD® Community Asset Award from The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

In 2024 Discovery Museum was awarded a National Medal for Museum Service from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s highest honor awarded to museums that make “significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.”

Discovery Museum is a community-supported non-profit organization.

###