New and Notables: Tifferney White

Tifferney White has made it her mission to ensure that kids of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to grow, learn and play; and she is bringing that passion to the Louisiana Children’s Museum.

Signing on as CEO in March 2023, after a decade in Las Vegas and time in North Carolina, White has hit the ground running, learning all she can about her new city and the museum that’s been a part of the community for decades.

Focusing on what makes New Orleans such a special place has been one of White’s main goals, during her “listening tour,” as she calls it.

“I know children’s museums, I know science museums,” said White. “But what I don’t know is New Orleans and what the needs of the community are and what we need to prioritize moving forward.”

White noted that the absence of a dedicated science center opens an opportunity of growth for the museum that includes a broader age range.

“One of the things I’ll be working on, as we move forward, is really understanding, is there an opportunity there for us? Should the age range be wider?” said White. “If that’s the case, how do we do that in a way that’s authentic to who we are as a museum and allows the community to take advantage of that.”

One thing White has understood in her short time in the city is how important the culture is to the people and the museum.

“You can’t take these exhibitions out of New Orleans and put them in any other city because they are about the heritage and the culture of the city,” said White. “The families and the children that come here, they’re learning about and exploring our city, and what’s important to us here in Southeast Louisiana.”