Museums Spark Creativity for Youth
For three decades, the American Savings Foundation has supported museums as vital spaces for learning, creativity, and community connection. Its investments have expanded access to arts education and enriched opportunities for young people and families to explore, create, and grow together.
New Britain Museum of American Art
Founded in 1903, the New Britain Museum of American Art is the first museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to American art. Its mission is to inspire, educate, and connect people through the power of American art. Today, the Museum’s collection includes more than 9,000 works representing over three centuries of American creativity.
For more than 25 years, American Savings Foundation has supported the Museum’s education and outreach programs. Many youth and family offerings take place in the American Savings Foundation Art & Education Center, which anchors NBMAA’s role as a community gathering place.
American Savings Foundation supports education initiatives at the New Britain Museum of American Art that strengthen creative engagement and community connection. This includes out‑of‑school arts programs developed with local partners, family community nights that invite residents to experience the Museum together, and monthly free‑admission Saturdays that keep the Museum open and welcoming to all New Britain residents.[
Mattatuck Museum
Founded in 1877, The Mattatuck Museum is one of Connecticut’s oldest museums and a cultural anchor for the Greater Waterbury region. It preserves and presents American art and the history of the area while serving as a vibrant community space.
For more than five decades, the Museum has partnered with Waterbury Public Schools to deliver curriculum‑aligned arts education for elementary students. In‑house programming includes Summer Youth Art, ACCESS programs for youth with disabilities, family art activities, Poetry @ The MATT, literacy nights, and offerings for homeschoolers.
Since 2014, the American Savings Foundation has supported the Mattatuck Museum’s education and outreach initiatives. This wide range of youth centered programs includes studio art classes, family and literacy nights, and activities for learners with diverse needs, creating hands on opportunities for children and families to explore art and history together. These efforts help the Museum serve as a welcoming cultural resource for Greater Waterbury, ensuring residents have meaningful, consistent access to creative experiences.